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The Sacred Paths of the East
This book combines study of the dynamic historical development of each religious tradition with a comparative thematic structure. In this way, the book helps readers to explore each of the major religions as a unique and integral system of meaning and life. At the same time, readers are encouraged to discover and explore the nature of religious experience by comparing basic themes and issues common to all religions. Covering the religions arising from India, China, and Japan, this book introduces the key dimensions of religious experience, outlining the basic human concerns that give rise to religious experience, such as origin and identity, ultimate reality, human nature, and the good life. For anyone interested in exploring the origins and development of the diverse religions of the world.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 21, 2013
I should start by saying this really is more like a 3.5 instead of a 4 star book. But, what the hell, it's a lovely weekend and I'm feeling generous!
"Sacred Paths of the East" is a college textbook. In fact, it was the book adopted by my professor for my philosophy class of Eastern religions.
While my understanding of Hinduism and the various schools of Buddhism is pretty good, I was anxious to take this class so I could learn more about Taoism. Unfortunately, the professor spend most of the semester covering the former, leaving little time for the latter. Thankfully Ludwig's book helped fill in the blanks.
As expected, all major Eastern religions are covered: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Zen, Shintoism. History, rituals, festivals, terms, are all presented in their original and modern contexts.
My only grievance is the print quality. When this book arrived, I wondered if I hadn't accidentally ordered a cheap student edition from a developing country. The pics are low pixelated and grainy. But, hey, it's a book on religion not an art book so that's not a big deal. However, given the price, I expected better.
"Sacred Paths of the East" is a college textbook. In fact, it was the book adopted by my professor for my philosophy class of Eastern religions.
While my understanding of Hinduism and the various schools of Buddhism is pretty good, I was anxious to take this class so I could learn more about Taoism. Unfortunately, the professor spend most of the semester covering the former, leaving little time for the latter. Thankfully Ludwig's book helped fill in the blanks.
As expected, all major Eastern religions are covered: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Zen, Shintoism. History, rituals, festivals, terms, are all presented in their original and modern contexts.
My only grievance is the print quality. When this book arrived, I wondered if I hadn't accidentally ordered a cheap student edition from a developing country. The pics are low pixelated and grainy. But, hey, it's a book on religion not an art book so that's not a big deal. However, given the price, I expected better.
March 11, 2009
I'm reading this for a class. It's really boring
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews