Theravada Buddhism

Theravada Buddhism provides a comprehensive introductory overview of the history, teachings, and current practice of an often misunderstood form of one of the world’s oldest religious traditions. Explores Theravada Buddhism’s origins, evolution, teachings, and practices Considers the practice of Theravada beyond Sri Lanka and Thailand, by exploring a wealth of material from countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Vietnam Reveals its rich and varied traditions, and corrects common misunderstandings about links to other practices, such as early Buddhism or Hinayana Buddhism Incorporates student-friendly features including a glossary and other study aids

Acknowledgments viii Map xi Introduction 1 Part One Buddha 13 1 The Buddha and Buddhahood 15 2 Buddha Worship 43 Part Two Dhamma 69 3 Literature, Languages, and Conveying the Dhamma 71 4 The Jâtaka 99 5 The Good Buddhist 112 6 Meditation 138 7 Abhidhamma 174 Part Three Sangha and Society 195 8 Monks, Monasteries, and their Position in Society 197 9 Women in Monasticism 218 10 Women in Theravada Literature and Society 238 11 Feminist Readings of Gender-Related Symbols 250 12 Nonharming, Politics, and Violence 262 Glossary 283 Index 290