"Making Sense of Buddhism" - an explanation of fundamental problems that confuse students on first exploring Buddhist religion and philosophy.

Buddhism approaches life and living in a quite different way from the Judaic, Christian or Muslim traditions. This introduction seeks to clarify the Buddhist approach to the way the world is and works, and how human beings can best deal with life and its challenges. It analyses the Buddhist approach logically step by step, arriving at the reasons why the Buddha settled on the Four Noble Truths as a sane and rational analysis of the human condition. The Noble Eightfold Path, the doctrine of anatta and the spread of Buddhism which results from this analysis are the subject of a second discussion in this Library.

An introduction to the principles behind the Noble Eightfold Path, the doctrine of anatta and the spread of Buddhism.

The psychology of the principles behind the Noble Eightfold Path allows students to understand what the eight paths mean and how they are meant to be viewed. The doctrine of anatta, which concerns the original Buddhist view that the soul is as impermanent as all other things in the universe, also can be explained through the notion of flux. It concludes with the way Buddhism expands from its homeland in India into Central, East and Southeast Asia. This should be read in conjunction with the discussion elsewhere in this Library entitled "Making Sense of Buddhism".

Ashoka, the great Mauryan Emperor of India use the concept of dhamma to avoid resorting to violence? How?

According to the stories which surround Ashoka, he began his rule in fratricidal bloodshed and violence towards conquered people. Yet within a short period of time, Ashoka changed his policies completely to become a model ruler. By modifying a concept that was well known amongst Hindus, Buddhists and Jains of his time (the concept of dharma, or dhamma), he developed a unique system for governing the largest Indian empire of ancient times. While Ashoka's dhamma policy was avowedly peaceful and paternalistic, it gave India decades of peace in which the country prospered. It was not a vaguely idealistic policy but one which was backed by brilliantly pragmatic statesmanship and public relations.

History of Buddhism: Article (8 pages), Bibliography lists 3 sources.

I have an assignment due soon on the History of Buddhism. I would appreciate one article that would give me the basic understanding of Buddhism. I need to use at least 3 sources for my report.

The Pali Canon in Buddhism

What is the Pali Canon in Buddhism? I keep running across this in my readings. Can you briefly explain this term to me.