1. Understanding World Religions
Chapter Eleven: Buddhism
© Irving Hexham 2011
Photo by Irving Hexham © 2011 Irving Hexham

2. Buddhism
Diagram by Jeremy Hexham. © 2011 Irving Hexham

3. Buddhism
From Jackson’s, History of India, London, Grollier Society, In the public domain. © 2011 Irving Hexham
Buddhist Stuppa at Sarnath near Benares. Interesitingly this 19th century photograph shows a structure older than nearby Hindu temples.

4. Buddhism
Although many writers popularized Buddhism during then nineteenth century arguably the most important was Sir Edwin Arnold through is best selling The Light of Asia.
Source: Edwin Arnold, The Light of Asia, Philadelphia, Henry Altemus, In the public domain. © 2011 Irving Hexham

5. Buddhism
Photo by Jeremy Hexham. © 2011 Irving Hexham
Today Buddhist temples, like the one seen above are to be found throughout North America.

6. Buddhism
Vincent A. Smith, History of India, London, Grolier Society, In the public domain. © 2011 Irving Hexham
This picture shows a 19th century photograph of the column of King Ashoka that was believed to mark the place where the Buddha was born. Notice how neglected it was.

7. Buddhism
Source: the Harappa Bazaar. Permission to use granted. © 2011 Irving Hexham
Photograph of one of the magnificent Bamiyan Buddhas. These carvings were destroyed by artillery on the orders of the Taliban in 2001 because they were considered idolotrous.

8. Buddhism
Photo by Jeremy Hexham in the library of the University of Calgary. These texts were edited by Antony Barber. © 2011 Irving Hexham
Buddhists value written texts. This photo shows the collection known as the Taipei edition of the Tibetan Tripitaka

9. Buddhism
Photo by Irving Hexham. © 2011 Irving Hexham
Buddhism combines both temple practices and individual devotions. The above pictures show a private Buddhist shrine used for individual and family devotions.

10. Buddhism
Photo by Irving Hexham © 2011 Irving Hexham
Buddhist devotions are often combined with the veneration of ancestors. The above photo shows a shrine to the ancestors in a North American Buddhist temple.