John S. Strong Livres

The book explores the paradox of Buddhism's emphasis on impermanence alongside the reverence for relics associated with the historic Buddha, such as bone fragments and hair. It delves into the cultural significance of these relics within Asian Buddhist communities and examines how they contribute to the understanding of Buddhist beliefs and practices regarding mortality and memory. Through this lens, the text invites readers to consider the complexities of faith, materiality, and the human desire for connection to the past.

Focusing on the historical figure of Upagupta, a Buddhist monk revered for his teachings and magical powers, this work explores his significance across Indian and Southeast Asian traditions. John Strong systematically examines various legends and rituals associated with Upagupta, revealing his evolution from a marginal figure to a central saint in Buddhism. The text highlights the continuity of Upagupta's legacy through ancient and contemporary practices, while addressing broader themes such as enlightenment, asceticism, and the interplay of myth and ritual in Buddhist thought.

Buddhism or Buddhisms? By the time they move on to Buddhism in Japan, many students who have studied its origins in India ask whether this is in fact the same religion, so different can they appear. In An Introduction , Professor John S. Strong provides an overview of the Buddhist tradition in all its different forms around the world. Beginning at the modern day temples of Lumbini, where the Buddha was born, Strong takes us through the life of the Buddha and a study of Buddhist Doctrine, revealing how Buddhism has changed just as it has stayed the same. Finally, Strong examines the nature of Buddhist community life and its development today in the very different environments of Thailand, Japan, and Tibet. Enriched by the author’s own insights gathered over forty years, Buddhisms never loses sight of the personal experience amidst the wide-scope of its subject. Clear in its explanations, replete with tables and suggestions for further reading, this is an essential new work that makes original contributions to the study of this 2,500 year-old religion.

From his many births to his deathbed deeds, this biography unites the Buddha of history with the Buddha of legend in a bid to reveal the lasting spiritual relevance at the heart of the Buddhist tradition.

The book presents an English translation of the Asokavadana, a key Sanskrit text detailing the legend of King Asoka, a pivotal figure in Buddhism. The author, John Strong, provides a critical essay that contextualizes Asoka's significance beyond his well-known edicts and inscriptions. By exploring the narrative of the legends, the work enhances the understanding of Asoka's impact on Buddhist history and thought, offering insights into his role as a ruler in the third century B.C. and the broader implications for Buddhist scholarship.