Buddhism

VOYA

The volumes in this series attempt to place their focal religion in history, trace its growth, plot its influence and influences, and examine its leaders and main precepts. Each entry does so by presenting excerpts of a variety of texts by various authors. This volume is split into four large chapters: "Origins of Buddhism," "Theravada Buddhism," "Mahayana Buddhism," and "Buddhism Around the World." Many Westerners, whether they think of Buddhism as a philosophy or a religion, see it as a monolithic faith when it is really as denominationally diverse as Christianity. What this volume does best is present these denominations and explain their origins and interrelationships. The individual introductions to the excerpts in each chapter are definite strengths. They are clearly written, hit the important points of the upcoming excerpt, and introduce the excerpt authors. The extracted texts themselves, however, are uneven. Some are engaging like Norma Bixler's outsider's view of Burmese Buddhism. Others are quite dry like Trevor Ling's look at Sri Lankan Buddhism and kingship, a subject that is covered adequately in an earlier section. Two of the early sections are translations of teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama. Young adults will likely be turned off by the inaccessible translations of these ancient texts. Meditation is only mentioned in passing, but it is an integral part of the spiritual practice of several sects. This volume could function as a resource for research but not as a sole resource. Readers could find the full text versions of excerpted authors or use the excellent bibliography at the back. The series would fit best in a large collection that has other resources on thesubject. (Religions and Religious Movements). VOYA CODES: 3Q 2P S (Readable without serious defects; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2006, Greenhaven, 238p.; Glossary. Index. Photos. Maps. Source Notes. Further Reading. Chronology., PLB . Ages 15 to 18.
—Timothy Capehart