Providing comprehensive coverage of the origins of Buddhism, while also tackling the doctrines and practices of this ancient faith, this comprehensive guide is an insightful and jargon-free picture of the great faith. All the most important topics are rendered accessible to the reader, among them Buddhism as a living tradition; meditation and education; and the goal of Nirvana. Answering all the questions most people would ask about the key issues of Buddhism, Buddhism: A Short Introduction will enable readers to better understand the vast and varied phenomenon that has deeply shaped a great part of humanity past and present.