Theravada Buddhism by Asanga Tilakaratne - 9780824836733

Theravada BuddhismThe View of the Elders\nAuthor(s): Asanga Tilakaratne\nFormat: Paperback\nPublisher: University of Hawai'i Press, United States\nImprint: University of Hawai'i Press\nISBN-13: 9780824836733, 978-0824836733\nSynopsis\nThis book brings to life the age-old religious tradition of Theravada (literally, view of the elders) Buddhism as it is found in ancient texts and understood and practiced today in South and Southeast Asia. Following a brief introduction to the life of the historical Buddha and the beginning of his mission, the book examines the Triple Gem (the Buddha, his teachings, and the community of monastic followers) and the basic teachings of the Buddha in the earliest available Pali sources. Basic Buddhist concepts such as dependent co-origination, the four noble truths, the three trainings, and karma and its result are discussed in non-technical language, along with the Buddhas message on social wellbeing.\n\nThe author goes on to chronicle his own involvement.