Publisher's Synopsis
This is a guide to a 2,600-year-old wisdom tradition that has transformed the lives of millions across centuries and around the world. Readers will learn how Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha, one of the most influential spiritual leaders of all time, and discover how they too can follow his revolutionary methods to attain happiness and inner freedom. Along with accessible overviews of central teachings - the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, karma, core virtues like kindness and compassion, and more - this book covers such basics as: the three main Buddhist traditions - Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana - historically and their relevance today; the role of meditation and mindfulness in Buddhist practice; step-by-step instruction in key Buddhist practices.
