Now in its fifth edition, this engaging, contributed survey of Eastern religions - namely Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Chinese, Korean, and Japanese religions - explores each tradition in depth from its origins, through its development, to the religion's meaning and practice in contemporary society.

Preface 1. Studying Eastern Religions Basic Human Religion: Looking Both Ways from Harappa Looking Forward from Harappa What Is Religion? Why Study Religion? 2. Hindu Traditions Origins Classical Hinduism Schools and Communities of Theology Practices, Rituals, and Arts Recent Developments 3. Sikh Traditions Overview Crystallization Practice Differentiation Cultural Expressions Interaction and Adaptation Recent Developments 4. Jaina Traditions Overview The Shramana Revolution The Early Sangha Major Developments Practice Expressive Dimensions Jainas Among Others Women Recent Developments 5. Buddhist Traditions Overview The First Gem: The Buddha The Second Gem: The Dharma The Third Gem: The Sangha Early Buddhism Theravada Buddhism Mahayana, The Second Vehicle Vajrayana, The Third Vehicle Cultural Expressions Buddhism in the Modern World Recent Developments 6. Chinese and Korean Traditions Chinese Religions Han Dynasty (202 BCE-220 CE) The Six Dynasties Period (220-589) Sui and Tang (589-907) The Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties (960-1644) The Qing Dynasty and the Republican Period (1644-Present) Korean Religions Recent Developments 7. Japanese Traditions Overview Foundations Pivotal Developments New Emphases Continuities Global and Domestic Trends Recent Developments 8. Current Issues Religion and Politics Bioethics The Environment Gender and Sexuality Religious Diversity Credits Index

\"World Religions: Eastern Traditions is far better than other textbooks because it is accessible, but detailed, and the various images and boxes with selections of primary sources encourage students to learn.\" --Melanie Coughlin, Carleton University

"Accessibly covering an impressive breadth of traditions, this book offers a unique option for instructors and students of religion. It provides insightful ways for understanding the beliefs, practices, cultural influences, and historical significance of globally diverse and traditionally 'Eastern' religions." --Ashley M. Purpura, Purdue University

\"This text is one of the best I have used to teach religions throughout Asia. The comprehensive discussion on religions is positioned alongside current issues, helping students understand religions in the broader context of real-world events.\" --Jamie Sanchez, Biola University