3 Review(s)

This is a book that will enthral the scholar as well as the casual reader, despite the author stating that he has limited the history and description to that branch of established and practised Buddhism in Ceylon (Sri Lanka). This volume is the second edition and Copleston states that it has been entirely re-written for better clarity and arrangement, and taking note of recent discoveries. Arranged in six parts, Buddhism begins with an introduction and a general historical sketch of 'India' at the time, 'Gotama' (Gautama), Asoka, Mahinda and Ceylon, before delving into the foundation of Buddhism with the life of Gautama, the Buddha's teachings, the vices, virtues, precepts, the female community, and beyond. While the fourth part is devoted to Asoka, parts five and six are dedicated to Buddhism in Ceylon in the 'past' and in the 'present'. In these sections, chapters familiarise us with Mahinda and his conversion in Ceylon to Buddhism, alongwith Buddhagosha and Parakrama.