Overview of Buddhist Traditions in Different Forms and Other Parts of the World

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Overview of Buddhist Traditions in Different Forms and Other Parts of the World
John S. Strong, the author of the book In Buddhism: An Introduction, provides an overview of Buddhist traditions in different forms and across other parts of the world. From the modern-day temples of Lumbini, the author explores the life of Buddha and a study of the religion’s doctrine to reveal the transformation and changes of Buddhism practices over time. According to Geary and Kiran, Strong explores the nature of the Buddhist community and its development in the contemporary world in various Tibet, Thailand, and Japan (99). According to the author’s revelations, Buddhism has a significant influence on the followers in the scope of its subject. Therefore, Buddhism: An Introduction is a masterpiece of the age-old religious themes based on hints of intriguing perspectives on the bewildering diversity of Buddhism.
Strong focuses on the importance of place, adherents’ efforts to overcome Buddha’s absence, and Buddhism as a middle way as the main three themes in the substantial survey. The author, a professor of religion, utilizes Samgha, Dharma, and Buddha in organizing an exploration of the earliest developments of the religion. Strong selects materials from vast traditions to guide readers through complex topics, insight, and clarity through tables to present even the abstruse information (Strong 45). The author analyses non-self and karma approach towards the readers’ enlightenment in practice and study in the book. In the book, he includes topics that relate to women and Buddhism throughout the analysis. Notably, the author delves into much detail for the intended audience through examples of Buddhist practices.
In Buddhism: An Introduction is one of the comprehensive surveys of Buddhism practices as a diverse and coherent religious tradition. Just as the name suggests, Strong intends to express the diversity and unity of Buddhism in a way that preserves the singular identity of the practice and an array of manifestations in different periods (Garton-Gundling 222). Therefore, readers of the publication might encounter difficulties comprehending the Buddhist traditions and analyzing historical and contemporary practices. Nevertheless, the author supports his articulations regarding the various aspects of Buddhist thoughts and practices. Thus, the book is a readable framework to explore the topics that relate to Buddhist history.
In the opening chapter of the volume, Strong utilizes geographic situation in highlighting the unity and diversity of modern Buddhism as the variations and distribution of monuments and international temples. Then, the author uses the Maya Devi temple area to introduce Buddhism practices and connectedness to the Himalayan Hills’ significant pilgrimage site (Strong 89). His exploration is a releva...