In his classic work on the subject, perennialist author Frithjof Schuon explores the vast and varied landscape that is Buddhism. Every reader interested in Buddhism from whatever angle will here find much that speaks to his or her condition. Schuon presents Buddhism not as an historical artifact of the past but as a living spiritual force. In describing the essentials of Buddhism, he frequently makes use of comparisons with other traditions, including Western religious thought. The rich and diverse world of Buddhist art—from its statuary to the tea ceremony—is a subject treated with particular importance. A valuable section on Shinto, the indigenous Japanese tradition of the “way of the gods”, concludes the book. This revised edition, containing over 75 pages of new material, features a fully revised translation from the French original as well as previously unpublished selections from Schuon’s letters and other private writings. Also included is an editor’s preface, editor’s notes, a glossary of foreign terms and phrases, an index, and biographical notes.
“[I]t gives a more powerful ‘taste’ of Buddhism than any other book by a Western author that I have read, while at the same time it never lets us forget what Buddhism has in common with other religions.”
“[R]ecommended to all serious persons interested in Buddhism, as a unique contribution to its metaphysical definition.”
“[E]very reader interested in Buddhism from whatever angle will here find much that speaks to his condition.”
“Essentials of Buddhism [are] described with clarity, making use of comparisons with Western religious thought.”
![Sapiens [Tenth Anniversary Edition] - 18 Feb 2025](https://ingress-cdn.pressreader.com/imageserver/v1/image/books/3eaf90ec-8016-4b48-a5b5-3ca0dfdf169b?width=163)
