Shows that the story of Buddhism as a global system of belief begins with the life of the Buddha in northern India in the fifth century BCE. He discusses the many new advances that have been made in recent years with regard to Buddhist origins, and traces the ways that formative Indian doctrines helped shape the features of later Asian Buddhism

Christianity began with the words and deeds of an obscure village carpenter's son who died a shameful criminal's death at the hands of the Roman occupiers of his country. This book shows that the history of the religion, while often glorious, is not one of unimpeded progress, but something still more remarkable, flawed and human.

Discusses the central facets of Daoism, a tradition which can sometimes seem as elusive as the slippery notion of 'Dao' itself. This book shows that fundamental to Daoism is the notion of 'Wu-wei', or non-action: a paradoxical idea emphasizing alignment of the self with the harmony of the universe, a universe in continual flux and change.

Assessing Islam as a truly global phenomenon, this title explains the significance of the revelation of the Prophet Muhammad and the origins of the different Sunni and Shi'a groups within Islam, giving comprehensive coverage to Muslim ritual life and Islamic ethics.

Traces the history of the Jain community from founding sage Mahavira to the present day. This book explores asceticism, worship, the life of the Jain layperson, relations between Jainism and other Indic traditions, the Jain philosophy of relativity, and the implications of Jain ideals for the contemporary world.

Author discusses the origins of the Jewish Bible; recounts the history of the Jewish people from the era of Patriarchs and Prophets through the Middle Ages up to the contemporary era; outlines the Jewish liturgical calendar and its major rites and modes of worship; and considers the great variety of Jewish literatures, art, food and culture.

Almost from the moment, some five centuries ago, that their religion was founded in the Punjab by Guru Nanak, Sikhs have enjoyed a distinctive identity. This book outlines and explains the core Sikh beliefs, and explores the writings and teachings of the Ten Sikh Gurus in Sikhism's Holy Scriptures, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

In this new, comprehensive introduction, author argues rather that Confucianism is profoundly spiritual, and must be treated as such. He offers full coverage of the tradition's sometimes neglected metaphysics, as well as its varied manifestations in education, art, literature and culture.

Assessing Islam as a truly global phenomenon, this title explains the significance of the revelation of the Prophet Muhammad and the origins of the different Sunni and Shi'a groups within Islam, giving comprehensive coverage to Muslim ritual life and Islamic ethics.