This book, 'Buddhism: A Way of Life and Thought', was recommended for me during the final hours of the Bamiyan Buddha statues in March 2001. Published in 1980 and later dedicated to Richard Dudley Baker, this book is "...a primer for those who know nothing about Buddhism. Yet those who are already students and practitioners..." - Beginning with the historic Buddha's life story and basic teachings, Ross leads into an introduction to general teachings and practice before the major three specific approaches to Buddhism. Mainly Theravada, Tibetan, & Zen are covered. An over emphasis, and well warrented one, is laid on paragraphs from other fine read Buddhist titles which keeps the book alive. Perspectives from the likes of Dr. H. Saddhatissa, Lama Anagarika Govinda, and Shunryu Suzuki keep a modern touch while reading about legends such as King Mongkut, Emperor Ashoka, Wu-ti, and Shotoku Taishi. Much of this book speaks of the historic and cultural impact of Buddhism but still stays fairly informative to the basic teachings & practices of the traditions. - Ross, an open-minded Christian, includes many photographs, paintings, a glossary, and quite some vocabulary!

Nancy Ross' book is highly recommended to anyone wishing a concise, clearly written introduction to Buddhism. It is focused on the history and development of the many forms of Buddhist practice and not as much on the different teachings put forth by one or another (although these are also discussed). If you ever wondered how Buddhism could be a ritualized religion, a humanistic philosophy, a deterministic psychology, and a social activist movement ... all without contradiction and sometimes simultaneously ... then sit and read this book.

Informative, unbiased and not overblown history of Buddhism. A former Unitarian as well as more than a few Chritian denominations, Ms. Ross covers the 3 branches with very readable prose. When the subject of miracles comes up, she's objective and does not impose on the reader to believe them. As you might expect, she compares Buddhism with western religions throughout. It's obvious I enjoyed the book but for another reason as well. I sense that Ross is herself a compassionate one who treats her readers with respect for their intellect and was inspired by that. Myself,a former conservative Christian (I just couldn't "get it" for some reason), I appreciated her unbiased and objective writing. As Leonard Da Vinci stated (roughly): An investment in knowledge about a subject is an increase in love for the subject. In this case, the subject is love in a broad sense - a love to help people find happiness by seeing this great religious tradition from its roots as well as current thought. Great book! Always the hard part, tho: practicing what you learn. But Rosses words inspire me to "practice" and not "try" so much.

Three Ways of Asian Wisdom is a classic that should have never gone out of print. I read it over the period of about a month, not at bedtime like a novel, but over morning coffee while my mind was at its most alert because I wanted to fully enjoy the fascinating interplay of ideas.

This book is a perfect introduction to these great religions without oversimplifying them. Ross writes with clarity about the historical, philosophical and cultural influences that shaped Hinduism, Buddism, and Zen. Her impressive depth of research into each of the three subjects gives her the detail and anecdotes which keep the book from becoming dry, and undoubtedly her personal experience has given her an insight which gives the work its immediacy.

The fact that she discusses these three "ways" under the same cover allows the author to explain their influences upon one another. She also touches upon the relationship of Confucianism and Taoism to Zen. Many photographs of Hindu, Buddist and Zen art are discussed at length and constitute an integral part of her explanation of these Three Ways of Asian Wisdom.

A beautiful, eloquent and stimulating book.

This book was terrible. the only reason I give it one star is because Joan d'Arc's story is one i like. this author portrays it very drily and i felt like i was reading out of my history book! i think the author could have made the book more interesting with more details and descriptions.

I thought it was a great book. It showed that if you beleive enough in your cause you can do anything.