Packed with illustrations, photographs, and maps Asian Religions brings the rich religions of Asia to life. Examines religions of South/Southeast Asia, China, and Northeast Asia. Contains numerous photographs of rituals/practices and historical and geographical maps. Covers Buddhism, Jainism, Kikhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Shinto, Islam, and newer religious movements. Historical approach shows how traditions have changed over time. Asian Religions is a passport to the fascinating world of Asian thought. Exploring all the major religions of South and Southeast Asia, China, and Northeast Asia, Bradley K. Hawkins looks at Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Shinto, and the new religious movements. Two chapters devoted to Islam shows its significants in Southeast Asia. Numerous full-color photos and art - both historical and contemporary - provide insight into the artistic expressions, sacred architecture, and people of the various traditions. Photographs of contemporary riturals/practices give a "feel" of each tradition as a living religion; Maps provide valuable geographical and historical context. The author shows how the traditions interrelate and places them within a wider global context. Modern expressions of each tradition are examined. Hawkins takes an historical approach that helps the reader better understand each tradition and show how each has developed and changed over time. The book is divided into three geographical areas: South and Southeast Asia (including Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Indonesia); China; and Northeast Asia (including Japan and Korea).
Bradley K. Hawkins studied under Ninian Smart at the Univeristy of California, Santa Barbara and has an MA in South Asian Studies and a PhD in Asian Cultural History. He is currently Professor of Religious Studies at California State University, Long Beach, where he teaches courses on Southeastern Asian Religions and History, Comparative World religions, and Islam. He is the author of Buddhism in the Religions of the World series published by Prentice Hall.