These are interesting and exciting times to be studying Buddhism and non-Western philosophy and religion. As we try to make sense of recent and ongoing events in the world, it is evident that many actions are inspired by ideas that are foreign to traditional Western beliefs and practices. Whether these ideas are political, religious, or philosophical in origin and motivation, it is clear that understanding our global world requires more than knowledge of one's own philosophical and cultural heritage.

In response to these needs, universities throughout the world have been working to broaden their curricula by emphasizing the value and necessity of multiculturalism and diversity in all areas of study. In the field of philosophy, for example, there is increasing interest, research, and teaching in both comparative philosophy and “world” philosophy. This growing interest and activity in the realm of comparative and “world” philosophy can be observed in the ever-increasing number of books published on non-Western thought. In fact, there has been a veritable explosion in the number of introductory texts, translations of primary source materials, and even new editions of classic publications. These same activities are happening in the area of Buddhist philosophy and religion.

Nevertheless, it is easy for anyone who is new to the study of Buddhism to feel somewhat overwhelmed by the size of the task at hand. The history of Buddhism spans some 2500 years and its teachings, in one form or another, are found on almost every continent in the world.