Buddhism

School Library Journal

Gr 6-10-These volumes are part of a series that updates the ``Dictionaries of the World'' series (Batsford) published in the 1980s. Their topical format is a great improvement over the earlier alphabetical entry arrangement. Buddhism presents the story of Prince Siddhartha, who became the Buddha, and traces the spread of Buddhism from its Indian origins. Surveys of the sacred scriptures, home and family practices, life-cycle events, and festivals are highly informative. Hewitt explains the pivotal role of the monastery and its relation to lay Buddhism and to orders of monks and nuns. She regards interest in meditation as a major factor in introducing Buddhism to the West, and describes how the religion has been adapted to Western host cultures and is now practiced in Europe and in the U.S. Wood covers the basics-history, beliefs, practices-stating traditional positions, but acknowledges that there are many ways of being Jewish in the modern world. She stresses the ethnic diversity of the Jewish people, including sections on Jews of Sephardic, Russian, and Ethiopian origin. The author makes note of the changing role of women within Judaism and the dilemmas of individuals of mixed faith. Agencies and concepts central to Jewish life are discussed. Full-color photographs enhance both texts.-Libby K. White, Schenectady County Public Library, NY