FOREWORD xiiiknowledge of the languages and cultures associated with the religious tradition
in question. It also displays the methodological pluralism that characterizes the
contemporary study of religion. But perhaps most importantly, it can serve as
a useful reminder that what is considered religiously important in one context
may not be so in another; indeed, what is viewed as religious in one culture
may not be so regarded elsewhere.
Many of the basic texts in the series have a complementary anthology of
reading selections. These include translations of texts used by the participants
of a tradition, descriptions of practices and practitioners' experiences, and
brief interpretive studies of phenomena important in a given tradition. In ad-
dition, all of the basic texts present a list of materials for further readings, in-
cluding translations and more in-depth examinations of specific topics.
The Religious Life in History series was founded more than two decades
ago by Frederick]. Streng. While Streng was editor of the series, continuous
efforts were made to update the scholarship and to make the presentation of
material more effective in each volume. These efforts will continue in the fu-
ture through the publication of revised editions as well as with the addition of
new volumes to the series. But the aim of the series has remained the same
since its beginning: As Frederick Streng said, we hope that readers will find
these volumes "introductory" in the most significant sense-as introductions
to new perspectives for understanding themselves and others.
Charles Hallisey
Series Editor