"Can we talk of Buddhism as a unified religion or are there many Buddhisms? Is Buddhism a religion of tolerance and pacifism as many people think? Is Buddhism a religion without god(s)? Or is it more of a philosophy than a religion? Renowned Buddhist scholar Bernard Faure answers these and other questions about the basic history, beliefs and nature of Buddhism in easy-to-understand language. It is an ideal introduction for anyone who has unanswered questions about one of the world's largest and most popular religions."--Jacket.

Buddhism in history -- Buddhism is both one and many at the same time -- The Buddha is only a man who achieved awakening -- Buddhism is an Indian religion -- Buddhism is the cult of nothingness -- Buddhism is a philosophy, not a religion -- All Buddhists are seeking to achieve awakening -- Buddhism teaches the impermanence of all things -- The belief in karma leads to fatalism -- Buddhism denies the existence of a self -- Buddhism teaches reincarnation -- Buddhism and local cultures -- Buddhism is an atheistic religion -- Buddhism is above all a spirituality -- The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Buddhism -- To be Buddhist is to be Zen -- Buddhism and society -- Buddhism is a tolerant religion -- Buddhism teaches compassion -- Buddhism is a peaceful religion -- Buddhism affirms that we are all equal -- Buddhism is compatible with science -- Buddhism is a kind of therapy -- Buddhism advocates a strict vegetarianism -- Buddhism is a universalist teaching -- Buddhism is a religion detached from the world -- Conclusion: Buddhism or neo-Buddhism?.