An introduction to the world religions of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Emphasis is placed on the living religion and the whole work is designed as a first-level introduction for those who have little or no previous knowledge of these religions.

This book brings together the studies of Jeaneane Fowler in Taoism, Chinese popular religion and the broader canvas of Chinese cosmogony, and those of Merv Fowler in Confucianism, Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism. 'Chinese Religions' requires no previous knowledge and thereby serves as an introduction to the religions of China, and places it in the wider context of Chinese history and philosophy. The facets of Chinese religions are as broad, multilayered and varied as the geographical vastness of China itself, yet so many Chinese beliefs have found their way into the West -- the theory of yin and yang, the I Ching, the Tao Te Ching are good examples. One of the greatest characteristics of Chinese religions is that they encompass virtually every avenue of religious thought throughout the long span of Chinese pre-historic and historical pathways.

This introduction to hinduism sets out the major beliefs and practices which inform Hinduism at the end of the 1990s. It depicts the colour and diversity of the many dimensions of Hinduism, and deals with the fundamental beliefs which underpin the religion.