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20 Best Book For Buddhism (2023 Update)
Are you looking for the Best Book For Buddhism? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Book For Buddhism can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as LEGO, Nintendo, Penguin Random House, Amazon.com. We have done a lot of research to find the Top 20 Best Book For Buddhism available.
The average cost is $22.10. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $4.97 to a high of $64.95.
Based on the research we did, we think In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon [Book] is the best overall. Read on for the rest of the great options and our buying guide, where you can find all the information you need to know before making an informed purchase.
20 Best Book For Buddhism (20 Sellers)
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Features:
- Clear translations of the buddha's original teachings
- Thoughtfully curated selections from the pali canon
- Chapters on the buddha's life, rebirth, suffering, liberation, and practice
Features:
- Languages: english
- Product format: paperback / softback
- Publisher: oxford university press usa
Features:
- Product details
- Martin's publishing group
- Publication date: 06-01-2002
Features:
- Publisher: wisdom publications,u.s.
- Publisher date: 24/02/2017.
- Dimensions: 22.61 x 15.24 x 2.54 centimetres.
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 2020-12-08
- Number of pages: 224
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 2020-07-28
- Number of pages: 256
Features:
- Mint condition
- Dispatch same day for order received before 12 noon
- Guaranteed packaging
Features:
- Binding type: hardback
- Publisher: penguin putnam inc
- Year published: 20060119
Features:
- Publisher: bravo ltd
- Publisher date: 1996-12-17
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 0.9 x 20.3 centimetres (0
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: metropolitan museum of art
- Year published: 20200103
$4.97
4.9
Features:
- The nature of our mind.
- Past and future lives.
- Why and how to meditate.
Features:
- Binding type: hardback
- Publisher: harpercollins publishers inc
- Year published: 2013-03-05
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 2013-07-09
- Number of pages: 224
$10.45
5.0
Features:
- This is an account of the madhyamika (middle way) school of buddhism.
- Binding type: paperback.
- Year published: 2001-01-18.
$9.99
5.0
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Year published: 2013-02-07
- Number of pages: 120
$5.49
Features:
- Audiobook by isaac haines (unabridged)
- Author: isaac haines; narrator: stark wilson; format: audio book (digital audiobook download)audiobook,audio book
$18.03
Features:
- Unlock the 7 benefits of learning and applying buddhist principles to your daily life.
- Unearth the most important teaching of buddhism for a fulfillingexistence.
- Learn about what true happiness is from an unbiased buddhist viewpoint.
Features:
- Binding type: hardback
- Year published: 20210928
- Number of pages: 350
Features:
- Product details
- Publication date: 06-19-2006
- Product dimensions: 5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)
Features:
- Publication date: 04-06-2006
- Product dimensions: 6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)
- Table of contents
1. In The Buddha's Words: An Anthology Of Discourses From The Pali Canon [Book]
Product Details:
This landmark collection is the definitive introduction to the buddha's teachings – in his own words. the american scholar-monk bhikkhu bodhi, whose voluminous translations have won widespread acclaim, here presents selected discourses of the buddha from the pali canon, the earliest record of what the buddha taught. divided into ten thematic chapters, in the buddha's words reveals the full scope of the buddha's discourses, from family life and marriage to renunciation and the path of insight. a concise, informative introduction precedes each chapter, guiding the reader toward a deeper understanding of the texts that follow. this book contains: clear translations of the buddha’s original teachings thoughtfully curated selections from the pali canon chapters on the buddha’s life, rebirth, suffering, liberation, and practice a foreword by his holiness the dalai lama in the buddha's words allows even readers unacquainted with buddhism to grasp the significance of the buddha's contributions to our world heritage. taken as a whole, these texts bear eloquent testimony to the breadth and intelligence of the buddha's teachings, and point the way to an ancient yet ever-vital path. practitioners and scholars alike will find this systematic presentation indispensable. dive into the world of the buddha through these easy-to-read english translations of the pali canon. the pali canon is the literary, intellectual, and spiritual foundation of theravada buddhism. this volume, being organized in a progressive manner "from the simple to the difficult, from the elementary to the profound," makes it well-suited for those looking for an accessible introduction to the theravadin scriptural corpus, as well as being a valuable resource for those familiar with the pali canon but wanting a more structured presentation of the materials.
Reviews:
Bhikkhu Bodhi does an excellent job of bringing the Suttas to life. The world-reknowned Buddhist Scholar-monk has produced an anthology of discourses from the Sutta Pitaka, arranged by a framework he has devised, which introduces the Suttas from a 'happiness in the here and now' right through to the ultimate happiness of Nibbana. There is an excellent introduction to the text, where you get a good idea of Bodhi's reasons for compiling this text, the framework of the text and also his suggestions on how one should go about reading it. In the introduction is a detailed account of the history of the Pali Canon, and why it is so important. The beginning of each chapter also is marked by an introduction by Bodhi which further outlines the importance of each Sutta and how should go about interpreting it. As with any of Bhikkhu Bodhi's works, there are abundant notes to accompany any passages one might have trouble interpreting, although it must be mentioned that some of the notes will only appeal to those with a scholarly bent. My personal opinion is that this text is well suited to anyone who has been introduced to Buddhism and is looking for a deeper knowledge and understanding of what the Buddha actually taught. It's also great for anyone who already has a good understanding of the Buddha's message and is looking to deepen their understanding. Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi mentions in his introduction that he hopes that reading this book will spur on the latter group of readers to 'take the plunge' into the Sutta Pitaka proper, and that's certainly something I now intend to do. So thank you Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi, for all your hard work.
Well written easy to understandleshaddon
Essential reading if you want to share the thoughts of a wise mancolin6625
2. Buddhism: The Illustrated Guide [Book]
Product Details:
Buddhism is a major spiritual and ethical force in the world today–and certainly one of the fastest growing religions in the west. its compelling insights into human existence offer an ancient and radical alternative to the materialism of the modern age. more and more people are turning to buddhism to rediscover the human and the spiritual values they find lacking in traditional western religions. now, in this strikingly illustrated and authoritative volume, general readers have an illuminating introduction of one of the world's great living faiths. based on the most recent scholarship, buddhism provides a vibrantly written and marvelously illustrated overview of this ancient and yet still vital religion. each chapter is written by an acknowledged authority in the field. the book describes the origins and historic development of buddhism as well as current trends. perhaps most important, it explores the central, unifying principles of a religious and philosophical system that finds expression in an extraordinary diversity of forms, from the elaborate and esoteric rituals of tantric buddhism to the rarefied, minimalist refinement of zen. a major section is devoted to an analysis of the religion's more important sacred writings. and throughout the book, magnificent illustrations capture the sacred art, architecture, daily practices, and symbols inspired by the buddha and histeaching. buddhism in the united states has grown dramatically. buddhism: the illustrated guide offers a wealth of reference information that will deepen one's understanding and appreciation of this ancient eastern faith.
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Release Date | June 2004 |
| Length | 256 Pages |
| Dimensions | 1.2" x 9.2" x 6.9" |
3. The Feeling Buddha: A Buddhist Psychology Of Character, Adversity And Passion [Book]
Product Details:
This engaging introduction to buddhism explains the buddha's earliest teachings, and is a practical guide for how to live fully in today's stressful world. the feeling buddha is a lucid account of how the buddha's path of wisdom and loving kindness grew out of the challenges he encountered in life. brazier explains the concepts of enlightenment, nirvana and the four noble truths, free from mystification. buddha emerges as a very human figure whose success lay not in his perfection, but in how he positively utilized the energy which was generated through his suffering. this rare guide illustrates how buddha's philosophy of the "middle way" can lead to a balanced, harmonious, and serene existence in the 21st century.
Specifications:
Reviews:
This is one of the very best books I have read on Buddhism. Using his personal experiences and stories from his practice of psychotherapy Brazier gives a new and profound meaning to the Four Noble Truths and the message of the Buddha. This is done by a remarkable interpretation of the Buddha's "Fire Sermon". I highly recommend this book.sulovegren
4. Buddhism: One Teacher, Many Traditions [Book]
Product Details:
Now in paperback! explore with the dalai lama the common ground underlying the diverse traditions of buddhism.buddhism is practiced by hundreds of millions of people worldwide, from tibetan caves to tokyo temples to redwood retreats. to an outside viewer, it might be hard to see what they all have in common. in buddhism, his holiness the dalai lama and american buddhist nun thubten chodron map out with clarity the convergences and the divergences between the two major strains of buddhism—the sanskrit traditions of tibet and east asia and the pali traditions of sri lanka and southeast asia. especially deep consideration is given to the foundational indian traditions and their respective treatment of such central tenets as the four noble truths the practice of meditation the meaning of nirvana enlightenment. the authors seek harmony and greater understanding among buddhist traditions worldwide, illuminating the rich benefits of respectful dialogue and the many ways that buddhists of all stripes share a common heritage and common goals.
5. Black And Buddhist: What Buddhism Can Teach Us About Race, Resilience, Transformation, And Freedom [Book]
Product Details:
Gold nautilus book award winner leading african american buddhist teachers offer lessons on racism, resilience, spiritual freedom, and the possibility of a truly representative american buddhism. with contributions by acharya gaylon ferguson, cheryl a. giles, gyōzan royce andrew johnson, ruth king, kamilah majied, lama rod owens, lama dawa tarchin phillips, sebene selassie, and pamela ayo yetunde. what does it mean to be black and buddhist? in this powerful collection of writings, african american teachers from all the major buddhist traditions tell their stories of how race and buddhist practice have intersected in their lives. the resulting explorations display not only the promise of buddhist teachings to empower those facing racial discrimination but also the way that black buddhist voices are enriching the dharma for all practitioners. as the first anthology comprised solely of writings by african-descended buddhist practitioners, this book is an important contribution to the development of the dharma in the west.
6. Buddhist Magic: Divination, Healing, And Enchantment Through The Ages [Book]
Product Details:
Studying this history, scholar sam van schaik concludes that magic and healing have played a key role in buddhism's flourishing, yet they have rarely been studied in academic circles or by western practitioners. the exclusion of magical practices and powers from most discussions of buddhism in the modern era can be seen as part of the appropriation of buddhism by westerners, as well as an effect of modernization movements within asian buddhism. after situating buddhist magic within a cross-cultural history of world magic, he discusses sources of magic in buddhist scripture, early buddhist rituals of protection, medicine and the spread of buddhism, and magic users. including material from across the vast array of buddhist traditions, van schaik offers readers a fascinating, nuanced view of a topic that has too long been ignored.
Reviews:
A great book about spirituality.wilhelbaardso0
7. What Makes You Not A Buddhist [Book]
Product Details:
An innovative meditation master cuts through common misconceptions about buddhism, revealing what it truly means to walk the path of the buddha so you think you’re a buddhist? think again. tibetan buddhist master dzongsar jamyang khyentse, one of the most creative and innovative lamas teaching today, throws down the gauntlet to the buddhist world, challenging common misconceptions, stereotypes, and fantasies. in what makes you not a buddhist, khyentse reviews the four core truths of the tradition, using them as a lens through which readers can examine their everyday lives. with wit and irony, he urges readers to move beyond the superficial trappings of buddhism—beyond the romance with beads, incense, or exotic robes—straight to the heart of what the buddha taught. khyentse’s provocative, non-traditional approach to buddhism will resonate with students of all stripes and anyone eager to bring this ancient religious tradition into their twenty-first-century lives.
Reviews:
Excellent book for those wanting to know what Buddhism is really about. By one of the greatest Buddhist teachers today.gadis-22
8. The Tibetan Book Of The Dead: First Complete Translation [Book]
Product Details:
One of the greatest works created by any culture and overwhelmingly the most significant of all tibetan buddhist texts in the west, the tibetan book of the dead has had a number of distinguished translations, but none encompassed the work in its entirety. now, in one of the year's most important publishing events, the entire text has not only been made available in english but in a translation of quite remarkable clarity and beauty.with an introductory commentary by his holiness the dalai lama, who calls this translation "an extraordinary accomplishment undertaken with great care over many years" this complete edition faithfully presents the insights and intentions of the original work. it includes one of the most detailed and compelling descriptions of the after-death state in world literature, exquisitely written practices that can transform our experience of daily life, guidance on helping those who are dying, and an inspirational perspective on coping with bereavement. translated with the close support of leading contemporary masters, including hh dilgo khyentse rinpoche, and learned scholars such as khamtrul rinpoche and zenkar rinpoche, his holiness the dalai lama says, "i hope that the profound insights contained in this work will be a source of inspiration and support to many interested people around the world."
Reviews:
Excellent translation of the last text you will here upon death.2knives1*
Requires a certain level of understanding and practice but the presentation is thorough and content is indispensable.kayadog2
dear ebayers: I you are into buddhism and are looking for a book that tells you in easy terms what you are looking for,GET THIS BOOK! I have bought about 10 books and all of them togather don't come close to this book.I belive this IS the buddist bible.TRUST ME. your friend daneon003 BE YOURSELF!daneon003
9. It's Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way To Happiness [Book]
Product Details:
In the delightful tradition of jack kornfield, jon kabat-zinn, and joko beck comes the fresh voice of beloved teacher sylvia boorstein. known to her thousands of students and colleagues as their "jewish grandmother bodhisattva," boorstein combines refreshing honesty with an astonishing ability to reach beyond the insider language of traditional buddhist teaching, making its universal wisdom easily available to all. using powerful stories from everyday experience, sylvia demystifies spirituality, charts the path to happiness through the buddha's basic teachings, eliminates hindrances to clear seeing, and finally develops a realistic course toward wisdom and compassion. it's easier than you think is a wonderfully engaging guide, full of humor, memorable insight, and love.
Reviews:
This book reads like grandmotherly wisdom ; it's warmhearted and wise essays offer a clear view into Buddhist perspectives. It's an easy read but none the less deep for it's simplicity. The humor of the title displays the wit of it's author. If you're interested in Buddhism, I think you'll find this book to be an informative and enjoyable read.steveejp8
This book makes basic tenets of Buddhism easy to understand and relate to.licorice2335
10. How To Read Buddhist Art [Book]
Product Details:
An indispensable introduction to the evolution of buddhist imagery from its origins in india through its spread to china, japan, and south asia for more than 2,000 years, sublime works of art have been created to embody essential aspects of buddhist thought, which developed and evolved as its practice spread from india to east asia and beyond. how to read buddhist art introduces this complex visual tradition to a general audience by examining sixty seminal works. beginning with the origins of representations of the buddha in india, and moving on to address the development of buddhist art as the religion spread across asia, this book conveys how buddhist philosophy affected artistic works and practice across cultural boundaries. reliquaries, sculptures, and paintings produced in china, the himalayas, japan, korea, and south and southeast asia provide insight into the rich iconography of buddhism, the technical virtuosity of their makers, and the social and political climate in which they were created. beautiful photographs of the artworks, maps, and a glossary of the major buddhist deities offer an engaging and informative setting in which readers–regardless of their familiarity with buddhism–can better understand the art related to the religion's practices and representations.
Reviews:
An excellent source for anyone seeking to understand the history and symbolism of Buddhist art.optimistrobert
11. Introduction To Buddhism: An Explanation Of The Buddhist Way Of Life [Book]
Product Details:
Beginning with buddha's life story, this concise guide explains the essential elements of the buddhist way of life, such as understanding the mind, rebirth, karma and ultimate truth, and what it means to be a buddhist. meditation is explained clearly and simply as a tool for developing qualities such as inner peace, love and patience. the emphasis throughout is on the practical application of buddhist ideas and practice to finding solutions to everyday problems. those interested in buddhism and meditation will find this book a rich source of guidance and inspiration.
Specifications:
Reviews:
Brilliant. Sums up key principles and very easy to read and understand.meland-zmbv3r
Easily accessible, down to earth and calming.samahar_6429
12. Buddhist Boot Camp [Book]
Product Details:
Buddhism is all about training the mind, and boot camp is an ideal training method for this generation's short attention span. the chapters in this small book can be read in any order, and are simple and easy to understand. each story, inspirational quote, and teaching offers mindfulness-enhancing techniques that anyone can relate to. you don't need to be a buddhist to find the buddha's teachings motivational. as the dalai lama says, "don't try to use what you learn from buddhism to be a buddhist; use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are." so whether it's mother teresa's acts of charity, gandhi's perseverance, or your aunt betty's calm demeanor, as long as you're motivated to be better today than you were yesterday, it doesn't matter who inspires you. regardless of religion, geographical region, race, ethnicity, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, flexibility, or vulnerability, if you do good you feel good, and if you do bad you feel bad. buddhism isn't just about meditating. it's about rolling up your sleeves to relieve some of the suffering in the world. if you are ready to be a soldier of peace in the army of love, welcome to buddhist boot camp!
Reviews:
13. How To Free Your Mind: The Practice Of Tara The Liberator [Book]
Product Details:
Tara, the feminine embodiment of enlightened activity, is a buddhist deity whose tibetan name means "liberator," signaling her ability to liberate beings from the delusion and ignorance that keep them trapped in ever-recurring patterns of negativity. she embodies a challenge—to transform our minds and become like her, whose tranquility, compassion, and wisdom make her so beautiful—but one that is profoundly nurturing. like a mother, she sees her child's potential—in this case, our spiritual potential or buddha-nature—and wants to nurture it." ven. chodron describes a simple meditation on tara, explaining its benefits and its application to daily life. she then presents two well-loved praises to tara, together with reflections on their meanings for modern practitioners. included here are the "homage to the twenty-one taras," verses that are frequently chanted in tibetan monasteries and homes, and "a song of longing for tara, the infallible," by lama lobsang tenpey gyaltsen.
14. The Secret Oral Teachings In Tibetan Buddhist Sects [Book]
Product Details:
This is an account of the madhyamika (middle way) school of buddhism, a method of mediation and enlightenment that was developed by the great indian teacher nagarjuna. in a collaboration between the frenchwoman alexandra david-neel and her friend, the tibetan lama aphur yongden, these teaching are presented clearly and elegantly, intended for the layman who seeks a way to practice and experience the realization of oneness with all existence. in her youth she wrote an incendiary anarchist treatise and was an acclaimed opera singer; then she decided to devote her life to exploration and the study of world religions, including buddhist philosophy. she traveled extensively to in central asia and the far east, where she learned a number of asian languages, including tibetan. in 1914, she met lama yongden, who became her adopted son, teacher, and companion. in 1923, at the age of fifty-five, she disguised herself as a pilgrim and journeyed to tibet, where she was the first european woman to enter lhasa, which was closed to foreigners at the time. in her late seventies, she settled in the south of france, where she lived until her death at 101 in 1969.
Specifications:
| Binding / Edition | Paperback; Rev Ed |
| Dimensions (inches) | 8.00 (H) x 5.50 (W) x 0.75 (D) |
| Date of Publication | Jun 1, 1981 |
| Dewey Decimal Classification | 294 |
| Library of Congress Classification | BL |
Reviews:
Look forward to readingcoyotethunderman
15. Work: How To Find Joy And Meaning In Each Hour Of The Day [Book]
Product Details:
In thich nhat hanh’s latest teachings on applied buddhism for both the work place and daily life, chapters include dealing with workplace scenarios; dealing with home and family; encounters with strangers and with daily life; transportation; and creating communities wherever you are. this book is designed for adults who are new to meditation as well as those who are more experienced. the emphasis is on how to use applied buddhism in daily life. work aims at contributing to new models of leadership and doing business. most of us experience work, hardship, traffic jams, and everything modern, urban life offers. work also discusses mindful consumption, or the mindful use of limited resources.
Reviews:
Another good book from Thichbaystatebell
Very applicable to my job! used it immediately. It is my bible now!JOLENE
16. Buddhism In A Nutshell: A Quick Beginner’s Guide For Mastering The Core Teachings Of Buddha To Live A Happier & More Meaningful Life [Book]
Product Details:
“buddhism in a nutshell” reveals…“ how to quickly master the 2,500 year-old teachings of buddhist philosophy to live a happier and more meaningful life starting tomorrow… without worshipping a golden statue of buddha! here’s a sneak peek:what the beatles’ 1967 hit song “love is all you need” has to do with buddhism and even more important, what it has to do with you! how practicing “zazen” can change your life in just 15 minutes a day! (once you discover this simple technique, you’ll want to be ‘zazen-ing’ every single day!) why meditation is not about sitting cross-legged while chanting or being silent! (discover the real truth about meditation!) the scientific breakthrough accidentally discovered by neuroscientist richard davidson that made buddhism spread like wildfire! how the “four divine abodes” & the “five precepts” can help you win more friends and develop stronger relationships! why buddhism is not just for “buddhists”… but for everyone who desires to become a better version of themselves!… and much, much more! buddhism has taught me how to live, breathe, and it has transformed the quality of my life in every area imaginable.and i couldn’t be more grateful for these buddhist insights! so if you want to master the core buddhist teachings and live a happier & more meaningful life starting tomorrow, get “buddhism in a nutshell” now!
Specifications:
| Published on | Jan 14, 2020 |
| Duration | 3h 17m 39s |
| Language | English |
17. Buddhism: A Complete Guide To Discover The Secrets Of Tibetan Buddhism (Two Lectures On Buddhist Thought Concerning Esthetics) [Book]
Product Details:
This book is well suited for beginning through to advanced practitioners to learn and practice the teachings of "the buddha" to include developing a meditation practice as taught by gotama buddha. it is a book that you will read and re-read countless times as a guide on the path to enlightenment and you will have the ability to seek clarification of the teachings directly from the author at no cost. over the course of this life-changing guide, beginners like you will: – unlock the 7 benefits of learning and applying buddhist principles to your daily life- unearth the most important teaching of buddhism for a fulfillingexistence- learn about what true happiness is from an unbiased buddhist viewpoint- and so much more! life gets busier and more stressful with time. technology, economy, modernity and many other aspects of these modern times affect us in many ways. many resorts to harmful means that act as pain and stress relievers from this mess that is the modern time.
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Release Date | September 2021 |
| Length | 196 Pages |
| Dimensions | 8.0" x 0.4" x 5.0" |
18. Longing For Limitless Light: Letting In The Light Of Buddha Amitabha's Love [Book]
Product Details:
Longing for limitless light offers a sequential series of key texts in the mahayana tradition of tibetan buddhism. these prayers and aspirations form part of the daily practice for many in the various tibetan buddhist traditions. they include prayers, aspirations, rituals and descriptions of a path to enlightenment. the loving heart of buddha amitabha limitless light invites all beings into his pure realm of happiness known as dewachen or sukhavati where, say the texts, awakening is easy. these practices are an effective antidote to the sense of alienation and isolation which is so pervasive at this time. the practice texts in this book offer tried and trusted ways to connect with the buddhas whose welcome already awaits us. they include the prayers and full ritual for taking refuge and for taking the bodhisattva vow and prayers and practices such as the dechen monlam for taking birth in dewachen. they provide a coherent support for developing faith and confidence in this mahayana method that unites wisdom and compassion. the individual texts describe the many ways in which the buddhist teachings invite us to a profound encounter with our own potential. to connect with the buddhas is to connect with our own heart and through this to connect with all sentient beings. each text was translated from tibetan by c r lama and james low together many years ago in india. james low has recently revised them and written an introduction.
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Release Date | September 2021 |
| Length | 350 Pages |
| Dimensions | 1.1" x 6.0" x 9.0" |
19. Theravāda Buddhism: A Social History From Ancient Benares To Modern Colombo [Book]
Product Details:
Theravada buddhism is widely recognized as the classic introduction to the branch of buddhism found in sri lanka and parts of south east asia. the buddha preached in north-east india in about the fifth-century bc. he claimed that human beings are responsible for their own salvation, and put forward a new ideal of the holy life, establishing a monastic order to enable men and women to pursue that ideal. for most of its history the fortunes of theravada, the most conservative form of buddhism, have been identified with those of that order. under the great indian emperor, asoka, himself a buddhist, theravada reached sri lanka in about 250 bc. there it became the religion of the sinhala state, and from there it spread, much later, to burma and thailand. richard gombrich, the leading authority on theravada buddhism, has updated his text and bibliographies to take account of recent research, including the controversies of the date of the buddha and recent social and political developments in sri lanka.. he explores the legacy of the buddha's predecessors and the social and religious contexts against which buddhism has developed and changed throughout history. above all, he shows how it has always influenced and been influenced by its social surroundings in a way which continues to this day.
Specifications:
20. The Buddhist Unconscious: The Alaya-Vijñana In The Context Of Indian Buddhist Thought [Book]
Product Details:
This is the story of fifth century ce india, when the yogacarin buddhists tested the awareness of unawareness, and became aware of human unawareness to an extraordinary degree. they not only explicitly differentiated this dimension of mental processes from conscious cognitive processes, but also offered reasoned arguments on behalf of this dimension of mind. this is the concept of the 'buddhist unconscious', which arose just as philosophical discourse in other circles was fiercely debating the limits of conscious awareness, and these ideas in turn had developed as a systematisation of teachings from the buddha himself. for us in the twenty-first century, these teachings connect in fascinating ways to the western conceptions of the 'cognitive unconscious' which have been elaborated in the work of jung and freud. this important study reveals how the buddhist unconscious illuminates and draws out aspects of current western thinking on the unconscious mind. one of the most intriguing connections is the idea that there is in fact no substantial 'self' underlying all mental activity; 'the thoughts themselves are the thinker'. waldron considers the implications of this radical notion, which, despite only recently gaining plausibility, was in fact first posited 2,500 years ago.
