Half a billion people in the world consider themselves Buddhists, and millions of Westerners have embraced the religion and its tenets. For the uninitiated, and even for some initiates, Buddhism is overwhelming and mystifying. Often associated with Zen, it's sometimes reduced to the image of meditation, but as this hefty but accessible guide reveals, there are many streams of Buddhist thought and practice in the world today.
Gary Gach, who's racked up 40 years of Buddhist study, gives a thorough overview of Buddhist history, teachings, ceremonies and practices, starting with who Buddha was and what Buddhism stands for, and leading to a clear and engaging discussion of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Paths that underlie Buddhist thought. With erudition and care, he also explains the major schools of Buddhism, such as Vipassana, Zen, Pure Land and Tibetan, outlining the rules and beliefs of each. He also explores the growth and development of American Buddhism, a unique animal of its own.
For those seeking more practical guidance, Gach brings Buddhism down to earth, teaching us how to cultivate its precepts in everyday life. Like a wise teacher, he dispenses advice on how to meditate (even at meals) and do yoga, what to eat, how to find the right spiritual teacher and/or community, where to go for pilgrimage and retreats, and countless other tips. For the artists among us, there are lively sections on Buddhist cinema, haiku, art, the tea ceremony, calligraphy, music (from Yoko Ono to John Cage), science (chaos theory, holistic medicine, psychology) and interfaith connections. Finally, there's useful information on how to bring the teachings outward, such as how to take right action about the environment, how to balance spirituality and materialism, how to be a better listener, how to have a more compassionate relationship with others and yourself, and how to care for the dying.