The Sacred East: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Shinto

Thoroughly researched, beautifully laid out, and full of concise and clear information. I have read and referred to dozens of books on these subjects while researching a project, and The Sacred East stands out from the crowd. Some of these religious traditions are complex, multi-layered, and difficult for an outsider to penetrate. The text cuts through the myriad details that can hamper a broader understanding, while opening enough topics to allow for further study if desired. Highly recommended.

This is a great book on Eastern Religions that encompass religious, cultural, and social aspects!

Western society's intense interest in Eastern culture and religion is best exemplified in this beautifully detailed and comprehensive book. With an engaging look at the history of each of the East's major religions, the authors offer the reader a special insight in the sacred rites and rituals which typify each of these religions. For those who subscribe to Buddhist, Taoist, Shinto philosophy, or Confucian wisdom, it a rare gem of a book, through which Eastern philosophy devotees can command a better appreciation of their tenets and worldviews. Fastidiously detailed, with brilliantly photographed selections of the various sects in costume, architecture and symbolism, the authors also offer a penetrating look into the minds and hearts of the believers, while assisting the reader in a better understanding of Eastern mysticism and metaphysicalism. Editor Scott Littleton and his colleagues have written a "primer extraordinaire" for Eastern religious thought!

This text is a very well laid out and detailed script. The photos are excellent. If you had to buy one book explaining all the religions / belief systems covered...... I would suggest this one as your pick!

This is a beautiful, well-laid out and easy to read book that covers all the basics of Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto. The contributors and editors all have excellent backgrounds in the study of these various religions. The text is extremely accessible and lends itself well to use as a text book in a college course.