The Buddhist Handbook is the definitive guide to Buddhist history, teaching, and practice throughout the world today. Provides a comprehensive survey of Buddhist traditions and their contemporary exponents. Includes chapters on the westward migration of Buddhism, the relationship between Buddhism, psychotherapy, social responsibility and action, and the role of women in Buddhism.

The Buddhist Handbook The Complete guide to Buddhist Schools, Teachings and History Acknowledgements A Note on Language, Caveat Part 1: Prologue: 1 Why Buddhism 2 The Heart of the Matter Part 2: The Buddha: 3 The Indian Background 4 The Buddha: The Early Years 5 The Buddha: the Teaching Career Part 3: The Basic Teachings and Practices 6 The Buddhist World View 7 The Basic Teachings and Practices Part 4: The Development of Buddhism in India 8 Four Councils and eighteen Schools 9 Mahayana 10 Tantra Part 5: The Spread of Buddhism 11 The Southern Transmission: Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Kampuchea, Indonesia 12 The Northern Transmission: The North-Western Springboard and The Silk Road 13 The Northern Transmission: China 14 The Northern Transmission: Vietnam, Korea 15 The Northern Transmission: Japan 16 The Northern Transmission: Tibet 17 The Northern Transmission: Mongolia, Russia, Himalayan Part 6: Buddhism Comes West 18 Slow Beginnings 19 The Flowing of the Lotus 20 The North Connection 21 Buddhism and Psychotherapy Appendix I Who's Who in Buddhism: A Modern Western Perspective Appendix II Useful Addresses Appendix III Major Buddhist Festivals Appendix IV Further Reading Index