The Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, lived in India in the 5th century bce. His life and teachings have provided inspiration for people around the world ever since. With an estimated 350 million adherents, Buddhism is the fifth largest belief system in the world today. This expert and accessible book introduces and explains Buddhist history, philosophy and practice. It is illustrated throughout with over 500 magnificent photographs of paintings, statues, historical sites, archaeological finds, festivals and rituals. The history of Buddhism is explored in detail, beginning with the life of the Buddha. This is followed by a chronological and geographical discussion of the dissemination of the religion, and an examination of Buddhism’s interaction with new cultures and ideas. An exploration of core texts and traditions provides insights into the Buddhist philosophies of compassion, tolerance and non-violence, as well as key concepts such as karma, samsara and nirvana. Special themed features deal with topics as varied as Buddhist art, architecture and symbolism, ethics and political engagement, and the practice of meditation. The story of Buddhism is supported by a timeline, maps and a glossary. This book is the perfect introduction to Buddhism for general readers, and a handy resource for students. The book provides a general introduction to Buddhist philosophy, from the life and teachings of the Buddha in the 5th century bce to modern-day interpretations. Discusses the principal texts in the Buddhist canon, and explains key concepts such as karma, samsara and nirvana. Describes the evolution of the different schools of Buddhism, and the contemporary importance and role of Buddhism across the globe. Special themed features focus on Buddhist art, symbolism and architecture, as well as Buddhist holy days, festivals and rituals. Illustrated with more than 500 photographs of paintings, statues, important historical sites and archaeological finds, plus informative artworks and maps.