What Do Buddhists Believe?

Description

Buddhism is one of the world's oldest and most widespread belief-systems. Virtually unknown outside Asia until the last century, it is now the fastest growing religion in the West and has over half a billion adherents throughout the world. What is it about Buddhism that attracts so many in an age when people seem to be turning away from organized religion? The teachings of Buddhism are voluminous and varied, and it has a well developed philosophical and mystical dimension; but at its core is a simple set of propositions and practices designed to meet the practical day-to-day concerns of ordinary people: how to live a compassionate, creative, wise and, above all, happy life.

Tony Morris is a publisher and writer. A historian by background, he first encountered Buddhism fifteen years ago. His books include In the Footsteps of the Buddha, and How Buddhism Came to Oxford.

"'I believe that every human being has an innate desire for happiness and does not want to suffer. I also believe that the very purpose of life is to experience this happiness.' The Dalai Lama"