Princeton Readings in Religions is a new series of anthologies on the
religions of the world, representing the significant advances that have
been made in the study of religions in the last thirty years. This
volume brings together the introductions to the first five volumes of
this acclaimed series: "Religions of India in Practice" (1995),
"Buddhism in Practice" (1995), "Religions of China in Practice" (1996),
"Religions of Tibet in Practice" (1997), and "Religions of Japan in
Practice" (1999). The introductions to these volumes have been widely
praised for their accessible, clear and concise overviews of the
religions of Asia, providing both historical context and insightful
analysis of Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism,
Taoism, Shinto, and Bon, as well as many local traditions. The authors
of the chapters are leading scholars of Asian religions: Richard Davis
(India), Stephen Teiser (China), George Tanabe (Japan), and Donald Lopez
(Buddhism and Tibet). They bring together the best and most current
research on their topics, while series editor Donald Lopez provides an
introduction to the volume as a whole. In addition to providing a wealth
of detail on the history, doctrine, and practice of the religions of
Asia, the five chapters offer an opportunity for sustained discussions
of the category of "religion."