Buddhism is a vast and complex religious and philosophical tradition which is now followed by around 115 million people. In this introduction, Rupert Gethin concentrates on the ideas and practices which constitute the common heritage of the different traditions of Buddhism existing in the world today. From the narrative of the story of the Buddha, through discussions of aspects such as textual traditions, the framework of the Four Noble Truths, the interaction
between the monastic and lay ways of life, the cosmology of karma and rebirth, and the path of the bodhisattva, this books provides a stimulating introduction to Buddhism.