"A manifesto for a more active, compassionate, and socially engaged Buddhism, The New Buddhism asserts that Buddha was a radical critic of society, and that his vision of a new social order transcended racial and economic divisions. Brazier takes a new look at various aspects of Buddhism, juxtaposing Western and Eastern visions of enlightenment.

He distinguishes between "extinction Buddhism" and "liberation Buddhism" - the former seeks to release the individual from the world, while the latter seeks to perfect the world by freeing it from the forces of greed, hatred, and delusion."--BOOK JACKET.