Buddhism: A very short introduction leads the reader into the teachings of the Buddha and the functioning of Buddhism in everyday life. Damien Keown examines the characteristic features of Buddhism and explores who the Buddha was and what his teachings entailed. By considering how Buddhist thought has developed over the centuries, Keown investigates how contemporary dilemmas can be approached from a Buddhist perspective. In this new edition, Keown offers fresh insights into Buddhist thought, including up-to-date information on the development of Buddhism across Asia, the material culture of Buddhism and its significance, new teachings on the ethics of war and peace, as well as changes regarding ethnicity, class, and gender. About the series: The "Very Short Introductions" series from Oxford University Press includes hundreds of titles in nearly every subject area. These handy books are the perfect way to gain an edge.