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  • A Concise History of Buddhism

  • From 500 BCE-1900 CE
  • Written by: Andrew Skilton
  • Narrated by: Jinananda
  • Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (2 ratings)

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A Concise History of Buddhism

Written by: Andrew Skilton
Narrated by: Jinananda
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Publisher's Summary

An ideal introduction to the history of Buddhism.

Andrew Skilton - Senior Research Fellow in Buddhist Studies, Kings College, London - explains the development of the basic concepts of Buddhism and its spread across the continents during its 2,500 years of history.

He begins with a close look at Buddhism in India, where it flourished until the 12th/13th century CE, charting the growth of different schools and practices. By the time it disappeared from its homeland midway through the millennium, it had become established in Central Asia and the Far East in a variety of forms.

Skilton looks at Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Burma and Southeast Asia, China, Korea, Japan, Tibet and Mongolia and in countries where there are now only archeological remains, such as Iran. This is a fascinating and useful insight into the historical progress of one of the world's great religions.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©1994 Andrew Skilton (P)2016 Ukemi Productions Ltd
Eastern Buddhism Buddhism History
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Reference book - best as text

A more accurate title would be 'History of Buddhist Texts'. I recommend this book if you are already familiar with the basics of Buddhism, of any lineage. This book is high in overview content and is writren with a scholarly perspective.

So far, I am only 2/3 the way through. Having just reached the section on Chinese Buddhism suddenly the author is providing too much information for easy digestibility of this listener. It has really become annoying because instead of a history book the author has switched to providing long-winded explanations of the subtle philosopies. If this continues through Japan, Mongolia and Tibet I am going to not finish this book. In addition, the final chapter is word for word a repeat of chapter one, the preface.

Background, mine: none formally in Buddhism, but well-travelled in Theravada lands and Pali not an alien language for me as once I was a student of a related language, Sanskrit.

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