The Buddhist Handbook: A Complete Guide to Buddhist Schools, Teaching, Practice, and History

I find Mr. Snelling's book very useful, for someone like me. Specifically, when I'm about to have a big change in my life, I RUN to a library or bookstore. Then, I research that change. (When I became a father, I did a lot of reading on pregnancy and fatherhood.) I like to have the big picture, then I can begin to feel my way around. I'm more comfortable dealing with the new when can I find the context. Mr Snelling's book is really valuable, re. a larger view of Buddhism. It has thorough, if a little concise (wished they were longer), explanations of the life of the Buddha and his teachings. The book's strongest points are the history of the spread of Buddhist teachings and how those teachings have morphed across time and various cultures. Knowing where I'm entering the Buddhist continuum has given me the (again) context to begin my practice. I also enjoyed the 'Who's who' section. When the subjects arise, I plan to read other Buddhist references, geared to more specific topics (i.e. the Dharma, the Pali Canon, etc.). This book is a excellent, broad, first reference, and I plan to refer back to it often.

This is a highly enjoyable book which covers the development & spread of Buddhism from its inception to the late 20th c. It includes all major types of Buddhism, explains a number of terms in each, provides short bios of major participants (up to 1991 or so), addresses of many Buddhist organizations, list of festivals, & some exposition of Buddhist principles. Most of the book is historical rather than explanatory, however. It can serve as a useful reference work (though can be read through) but is not a definitive work on Buddhist theology, philosophy, or psychology. I found much of the historical information fascinating; amazingly, the author shows how many 21st c. arguments/approaches began much earlier--which was unknown to me, but : p. 53: "As the Buddha himself foresaw, even the dharma itself is subject to change & degeneration." Snelling does discuss the ideas of soul, self, sutra/tantra, the roots of Buddhist social activism, the development of a Western brand of Buddhism (lay oriented, with less emphasis on a guru), psychoanalysis & meditation, women in Buddhism, etc. enough to whet one's appetite without satisfying the need. I like his consistently nonsectarian writing as well as his down-to-earth & matter-of-fact approach, esp. to the Westernization of Buddhism. Much has occurred since this book was published (so parts are a bit dated) but these events were, per this book, foreshadowed by what went before. While some updating would be nice (a new addition, hint, hint...) & it's hardly "A Complete Guide to Buddhist Schools, Teaching, Practice, & History" (it's a bit light on the teaching & practice portions), the present volume is still well worth having on one's bookshelf.

If you're looking for a book that will explore Buddhist themes in depth and help you better realize your own daily Buddhist practice, this is not the book for you. If you're looking for a book that gives you brief, authoritative answers to simple questions ("where did Buddhism come from? What is the difference between Mahayana and Himayana and where are they practiced? What are the Four Noble Truths?"), this is a great reference book that will give you the answers without bogging you down in details. It covers all of the major schools and teachings, and doesn't take sides. I have recommended this book to many of my friends.

This book really is an excellent, comprehensive guide to Buddhism. It will orient you in the wide array of Buddhist practices going on today, with historical and conceptual background from the Indian roots of Buddhism, through its spread over Asia and into the West, so you can get a clear understanding of what the differences are between Zen, Theravada, the various Tibetan schools, etc. At the end is a "Who's Who" of contemporary teachers a Westerner might meet or want to know about; then a list of useful addresses in the US and Canada; a festival list; a "further reading" list; and an index. I want to keep this book on my shelf for long term reference.

This is a great companion for anyone interested in Buddhism. Features include history and practice as well as suggestions for daily life. Also included is a resource for buddhist organizations worldwide. Easy read, but a complete reference.