Jane Hope

I have been pretty sniffy about graphic novels but, I must admit that the factual application of the technique, as used by the 'for Beginners' series, works admirably. This book,as with others from the series which have crossed my reading table, is deceptively simple: it is written in a slightly jokey fashion and every page is a sketch with a few tight notes around it. This tome is quickly read but, certainly supports a second reading. It is packed with as much information as one would show more expect to find in one containing ten times the 169 pages actually occupied.

This book takes us from the Buddha all the way through to modern day Buddhist theory with more than enough detail to satisfy casual interest, or to provide a solid basis from which the more serious student may launch an investigation of this ancient philosophy.

I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone wanting to acquaint themselves with Buddha. show less

Not bad. I know more about Buddhism, but I certainly don't understand Buddhism. It covers some basics like the four noble truths and eight fold path and outlines the major Buddhist traditions.

The section on tantra was interesting. Popular culture in the West associates tantra with sex. I was glad to know that this was true and that there were religious traditions that find spirituality in sex.

I also finally understood all of the reclining Buddha statues in temples. I have seen many of show more them, but none of them ever explain that the recumbent posture recalls Buddha's deathbed sermon to his disciples.

I do like the graphic guide series. A picture is often worth 1,000 words, but I didn't find many of the illustrations in this book particularly helpful to understanding Buddhism.

A little more about modern Buddhism would be nice. There is a short section on a few modern gurus, but little about how the faith is adapting to modernity. Where are the contemporary enlightened? show less

I didn't really know much about Buddhism when I got this book. It doesn't tell how to be a Buddhist, but it does tell you about the different kinds of Buddhism, the history of Buddhism and the current state of Buddhism. With most of the "Introducing" books it doesn't tell you everything in great detail, it tells you enough to know where to go next. The graphic part of the book always help me associate images with concepts which helps me remember the concepts. So I rate the illustration show more better than just "comic" value, actually helpful. Page 145 and 146 has an excellent images that help me remember the meaning of the concept of reincarnation.
The reference section in the back, is useful for further study on the subject. I always find "Introducing" books a good starting point for finding out what a subject is about. I recommend the book for anyone who has a causal interest in what Buddhism is about. For a more serious look at Buddhism, well I don't know yet. show less

This is a very pleasant book to look at and to read through. It is very visually oriented with very good supporting text. There are references to symbols in all the major religions and to many mythologies. It whets the appetite for further study. 2-4 pages are occupied with various themes like: the world soul, the soul in the body, the sacred earth, soul realms, faith, etc. Each double page has 3-4 color photographs with explanatory text.