Tilakaratne (Pali and Buddhist studies, U. of Columbo, Sri Lanka) explains the views of one of the two main branches of Buddhism on the teachings of the Buddha and how believers manifest them in their lives. Among his topics are the beginning of Buddhism, the basic teachings of the Buddha, karma and its results, the traditional Theravada practice, and Theravada in wider perspective. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)