What do we mean when we talk about a “Buddhist World”?

For Buddhists, the entire world is governed by truths discovered by the Buddha (and by other Buddhas before him) and guided by the enlightened masters of the tradition. In a broader sense, these principles apply to all worlds and all beings, both human and non-human. For instance, whether one is aware of the workings of karma or not, everyone is bound by the law of cause and effect. All sentient beings live in a universe where every action has a corresponding consequence.

Instead of attempting a rigid definition of the “Buddhist World,” this book describes the practices of those who identify as followers of the Buddha and highlights the unique characteristics of diverse Buddhist communities.

ABOUT THE CONTENT

“The Buddhist World” is a collection of essays on Buddhist culture and practice across the globe, offering a lively and up-to-date survey of Buddhist Studies for both students and scholars.

The book explores regional forms of Buddhism and core themes, including Buddha-nature, rituals, and pilgrimage. Beyond historical and geopolitical perspectives, the volume features thematic chapters on philosophical concepts such as ethics, as well as social structures like community and family. It also examines Buddhism in its manifold forms, looking at how modernity is reshaping traditional structures, ancient doctrines, and cosmological beliefs.

• Part I: The Buddhist World in History and Geopolitics (7 essays by various authors).
• Part II: The Buddhist World in Philosophy and Religion (10 essays by various authors).
• Part III: The Buddhist Social World (11 essays).
• Part IV: Biographies, comprising 13 essays on 14 Key Spiritual Figures—those who have had the greatest influence and are most representative of the history of this religion from ancient times to the present.

THE 14 SPIRITUAL MASTERS FEATURED:

1. The Buddha
2. Nagarjuna (14th Patriarch of Indian Zen – Founder of the Madhyamaka School)
3. Vasubandhu (21st Patriarch of Indian Zen – Author of the Abhidharma)
4. Dignaga (Outstanding Logician of Indian Buddhism)
5. Dharmakirti (Outstanding Logician of Indian Buddhism)
6. Wonhyo (Great Korean Master)
7. Dogen (Founder of the Soto Zen School – Japan)
8. Milarepa (Great Yogi of Tibet)
9. Tsongkhapa (Founder of the Gelug School, who established the reincarnation lineage of the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama – Tibet)
10. Nichiren (Founder of Nichiren Buddhism, based on the Lotus Sutra – Japan)
11. Thich Nhat Hanh (Founder of the Plum Village Tradition – Vietnam)
12. Master Yin Shun (Promoter of Humanistic Buddhism in Taiwan)
13. Tenzin Gyatso (The 14th Dalai Lama – Tibet)
14. Buddhadasa Bhikkhu (Great Thai Master – Proponent of Dhammic Socialism)                         

ABOUT THE SPECIAL EDITION

“The Buddhist World” – Special Edition featuring a Bodhi Leaf from the Land of Buddha

Following the success of the hardcover and leather-bound versions, for Vesak 2025, “The Buddhist World” returns in a completely new form: the book cover is handcrafted with a gold-plated Bodhi leaf, brought directly from the Land of Buddha – India.

Each leaf is carefully selected, gold-plated by hand, and encased in clear acrylic. This preserves its delicate natural beauty while conserving the peaceful energy the leaf carries from the source of awakening.

More than just a decorative element, the Bodhi leaf is a symbol of peace, wisdom, and the path of returning to oneself.

A small leaf from the Holy Land—so that whoever holds this book may feel a touch of mindfulness and tranquility.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: JOHN POWERS

John Powers is a Professor of Asian Studies in the School of Culture, History and Language, College of Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University, and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Humanities.

He is the author of fourteen books and over seventy articles and book chapters published in academic journals. His notable titles include A Bull of a Man: Images of Masculinity, Sex, and the Body in Indian Buddhism (2015) and Historical Dictionary of Tibet (with David Templeman, 2012).

Other works by him published by Thai Ha Books include: Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism (Nhập môn Kim cương Thừa).

ThaiHaBooks proudly presents!