Mahayana Buddhism: A Brief Outline

Despite the strong influence in the Far East of Mahayana, "The Greater Vehicle" Buddhism, few translations or explanations of its doctrines have been available to Western readers. Here is a clear introduction and guide to this living religion.

In the foreword to the present edition Christmas Humphreys, the widely known British authority on Buddhism, notes that Zen and Hinayana are the wings of the bird, and Mahayana is its body. Mrs. Suzuki describes this this central philosophy, covering its development, fundamental principles, basic sects, and terminology. Several pages are devoted to Bodhisattvas - future Buddhas - and the vows, training, stage of progress, and virtues necessary for achieving Buddhahood. Another chapter tells of the practices of Buddhist priests, monks, nuns, and laymen. Finally, the author provides an outline of the important Mahayana sutras - rules - and includes extracts from some of them. She has cleared away the obstacles to understanding a religion that has sometimes been difficult for Western minds, and has brought out the universality of its teachings.