"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness." --Dalai Lama

That's easy for the Dalai Lama to say--but for the rest of us, understanding this mysterious, multilayered faith can be very difficult. With this updated and revised edition of the classic Buddhist primer, you can delve into the profound principles of nonviolence, mindfulness, and self-awareness.

From Tibetan Buddhism to Zen, you'll explore the traditions of all branches of Buddhism, including:The life of Buddha and his continuing influence throughout the worldA revealing survey of the definitive Buddhist textsWhat the Sutras say about education, marriage, sex, and deathFaith-fueled social protest movements in Tibet, Burma, and elsewhereBuddhist art, poetry, architecture, calligraphy, and landscapingThe proven physiological effects of meditation and other Buddhist practicesThe growing impact of Buddhism on modern American culture In this guide, you'll discover the deceptively simple truths of this enigmatic religion. Most important, you learn how to apply the tenets of Buddhism to your daily life--and achieve clarity and inner peace in the process.