Anthology of Asian Scriptures

Book excerpt: This reader contains some of the most notable and instructive scriptures of the major Asian religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, and Zoroastrianism. It is a comprehensive and pedagogically sound presentation of the sacred literature of the Asia. A clear and consistent organization makes the text easy-to-use and understand. The first chapter examines the general phenomenon of scripture in the world's religions, its nature, use, and place in modern scholarship. Chapter 1 also introduces the reader to the art of reading scripture with practical suggestions, a pronunciation guide for foreign words, and other pedagogical aids. Each subsequent chapter presents the scripture of a single religion. Three or four vignettes about scripture and its usage open the chapter to draw the reader's interest and imagination. Then an introduction sets the context by explaining the overall structure, origin, development, and use of the scripture in its religion.