Buddhist Thought ─ A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition

This book serves as an accessible and reliable survey for students wishing to gain familiarity with the basic ideas of Buddhist philosophical and religious thought, and with some of the recent research in the field. It guides readers towards a richer understanding of the central concepts of classical Indian Buddhist thought, from the time of Buddha to the latest scholarly perspectives and controversies. Abstract and complex ideas are made understandable by the authors' clear and engaging style. The second edition has been fully revised in light of new scholarship, in particular on Mahayana Buddhism and Tantric Buddhism, an often neglected and inadequately understood topic. As well as a detailed bibliography this authoritative resource now includes recommended further reading, study questions, a pronunciation guide and extensive glossary of terms, all aimed at helping students to develop their knowledge and appreciation of Buddhist thought.

Paul Williams is Emeritus Professor of Indian and Tibetan Philosophy at the University of Bristol, UK. His books include Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations (second edition, Routledge).

Anthony Tribe is a specialist in Indian Tantric Buddhism and formerly taught in the Asian Studies Program at the University of Montana, USA.

Alexander Wynne is Assistant to the Co-Director of the Dhammachai Tipi?aka Project at Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Thailand.

1. The Doctrinal Position of the Buddha in Context 2. Mainstream Buddhism: The Basic Thought of the Buddha 3. The Nature and Origins of Mahayana Buddhism 4. Some Schools of Mainstream Buddhist Thought 5. Mahayana Philosophy 6. The Buddha in Mahayana Buddhist 7. Mantranaya/ Vajrayana – Tantric Buddhism in India