Buddhist Common Knowledge Q&A

Author: Zhao Puchu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-01-01
Features: A Buddhist classic achieved by Zhao Puchu, the great protector of Buddhism, through "making a mountain out of a molehill." It has been published in China for decades and translated into multiple languages, including Japanese, English, and Korean, becoming a bestseller both domestically and internationally. A popular and accessible introduction to Buddhist knowledge, it is the preferred entry-level book for understanding Buddhist culture. Zhao Puchu was a renowned poet and calligrapher, having written a vast amount of poetry, lyrics, and quatrains throughout his life. However, he was also a great protector of Buddhism and a celebrated Buddhist scholar. Initially, Zhao Puchu wrote this book simply to provide people with a convenient way to learn about Buddhism, not to write a scholarly treatise. Yet, this small book proved the author's expertise in Buddhist studies. Since its first publication in 1988, the book has been printed in hundreds of thousands of copies domestically and has multiple versions in Japanese, English, and Korean. The Common Questions About Buddhism has rightfully become a classic in Buddhist studies. As Zhao Puchu himself said, it was a book born from "making a mountain out of a molehill." In the book, the author explains profound Buddhist doctrines in simple and accessible language, making it an excellent introductory text for those new to Buddhist studies and culture. Additionally, the book includes over 140 exquisite illustrations that complement the text, enhancing the reader's understanding and making it a book worth pondering and preserving permanently. The book provides a detailed account of the origins of Buddhism, its fundamental teachings, and attitudes, presented in a question-and-answer format with over 200 beautiful color illustrations that vividly express the deep principles of Buddhism.
First, the history of Buddhism is long and profound, its doctrines and teachings are profound and subtle, and its scriptures are vast as the sea. To summarize them so concisely as "Common Questions About Buddhism" requires deep expertise. The compact size of this "great master's small book" allows readers to tuck it into their pockets and read a few pages anytime, anywhere—while waiting on the side of the road, queuing for theater tickets, traveling, or relaxing in the park. If more people read it, it will add a touch of culture and learning to society, which is surely a good thing.
Second, from a religious perspective, it encompasses three aspects: belief, culture, and institutions. These three are unified yet differ in perspective and approach due to their distinct starting points. When Zhao Puchu wrote this book, society was not as open and vibrant as it is today, and people had many misunderstandings and misinterpretations about religion. The influence of the "Left" was also significant. Yet, the author approached the subject with a spirit of presenting facts without embellishment, objectively explaining the doctrines, history, and current state of Buddhism. He strove to avoid flattery or slander, bias or prejudice—only a true master could achieve this.