The teachings of the Buddha are both profoundly simple and richly complex. They have been the basis for one of Asia's major religions for over 1,000 years, yet it is only in the last century that Buddhism has achieved recognition in the West. This book explains the beliefs common to Buddhists everywhere, and explores the variety of ways in which these are practised and describes the place of festivals, pilgrimage and mediation in the life of the believer.