The Buddhist Handbook: A Complete Guide to Buddhist Teaching and Practice

by John Snelling

Explains all aspects of this ancient religion, from the early history, world view, meditation practices, and festivals of Buddhism to the westward migration of Buddhist thought and its contribution to the field of psychotherapy. Included are chapters on Who's Who in Buddhism (a modern Western perspective) and contemporary Buddhist activities in North America.

This is the first book to provide an overview of Buddhism worldwide. A consumer's guide to Buddhism, this handbook serves as the perfect introduction. Offers an orientation to the different schools, concepts, interpretations, teachers, and organizations throughout the Buddhist world.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy

373 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Jerry Wall]

Subtitled a complete guide and it is, covering the four fold path and many other lists of
favored activities and practices of Buddhism.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only issues with this overview is that it has dated and is somewhat UK-centric. It's split up into the basics of the philosophy followed by an overview of Buddhism's historical spread to the present day. It has an interesting Who's Who section, too. A good basic starter to further reading.

[Jo Bennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used this for checking on the basic tenets of Buddhism and it puts them across very well, succinctly and easy to understand

[Sam Russo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly readable overview of the major schools of Buddhism, their practices and history, and the state of Buddhism in the West at the time of the book's publication. (I'll admit to having skipped a chapter on Buddhism and Psychotherapy).