Dorrough Smith, Ramey/Relligions of the World, 2. Buddhism

This chapter explores and then interrogates four popular perspectives on Buddhism. The first emphasizes the teachings of the historical Buddha, Siddharta Gautama, and the ways he is described in traditional narratives of Theravada Buddhism. The second representation focuses on the importance of compassion, including the concept of the bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism and those who identify with Engaged Buddhism. The third representation identifies the practice of meditation (in a variety of forms) as central to the practice of Buddhism, describing elements associated with Zen and Tibetan practices, among others. Finally, the fourth representation describes Buddhism in relation to political influence, illustrating the diverse ways that leaders identified with Buddhist movements have engaged the world in ways that have been both violent and non-violent.