Introduction: studying Buddhism in practice

This book, which is the second volume in the Studying Religions in Practice series, is a collection of contributions written by specialists expressly for readers relatively new to the academic study of Buddhist religious tradition(s). This introduction to Studying Buddhism in Practice mirrors that of Studying Hinduism in Practice. In accord with the intent of the series as a whole, the essays in this compilation are designed to serve two purposes. These are: (1) to highlight features of Buddhism as it is actually practiced, and (2) to illustrate some of the authentic experiences of researchers engaged in the study of those practices.