What Do Buddhists Believe?

'What Do We Believe?', a new series from Granta Books, introduces different beliefs from across the world in lively, accessible and intelligent short books.

'I believe that every human being has an innate desire for happiness and does not want to suffer. I also believe that the very purpose of life is to experience this happiness' The Dalai Lama Buddhism is one of the world's oldest and most widespread belief systems. Its history spans two and a half thousand years and Buddhism today has over 500 million adherents throughout almost every country in the world. Virtually unknown outside Asia until the last century, it is now the fastest-growing religion in the West. What is it about Buddhism that attracts so many in an age when people seem to be turning away from organized religion? The teachings of Buddhism are voluminous and varied, and it has a well-developed philosophical and mystical dimension; but at its core is a simple set of propositions and practices designed to meet the practical day-to-day concerns of ordinary people: how to live a compassionate, creative, wise and, above all, happy life. Tony Morris explores Buddhism's appeal and gives an acute insight into its essential beliefs.