|
|
|
|
 |
Bhikkhuni Patimokkha of the Six Schools By: Kabilsingh
|
|
Our Price: $21.50 Members Price: $19.35
|
|
|

In Vinaya Pitaka, Patimokha has been accepted as one of the oldest texts of the Buddhist canon. Patimokkha (Skt. Pratimoksa) is a list of rules or courses of training to be observed by the bhikkhus and bhikkunis.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Bodhisattva Precepts By: Rulu (Translator)
|
|
Our Price: $19.95
|
|
|

The spiritual training of a Buddhist comprises the Three Learning: precepts, meditation, and wisdom. Observance of precepts is the foundation of ones spiritual journey to Buddhahood. Classified into three clustersrestraining precepts, precepts for doing good dharmas, and precepts for benefiting sentient beingsBodhisattva precepts are called the three clusters of pure precepts.
This book, Rulus third, presents seven sūtras in English, all translated from texts in the Chinese Buddhist Canon. Five of these seven English translations have never before been published in book form. Sūtras 1 and 2 cover the ten good karmas; Sūtra 3 teaches repentance of sins; Sūtra 4 expounds the Mahāyāna Vinaya; Sūtras 57 each contain time-honored Bodhisattva precepts. Sūtra 6 is the well-known Brahma Net Sūtra; Sūtra 7, Sūtra of the Upāsaka Precepts, also covers the six pāramitās in detail. Buddhist terms are explained in the glossary.
The translator's introduction presents sets of Buddhist precepts and describes the arrival of the Hīnayāna Vinaya in China. It explains the development of the Vinaya School, a Mahāyāna school originated in China, and summarizes its tenets. It compares voice-hearer precepts with Bodhisattva precepts, and discusses five texts of the latter. It also touches on selecting those Bodhisattva precepts that suit our modern times. Such precepts will be fewer in number but complete in spirit. Buddhist or non-Buddhist, those who seek to benefit themselves and others need to learn and observe such Bodhisattva precepts.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Bodhisattva Vow By: Sonam Rinchen, Geshe
|
|
Our Price: $16.95 Sale Price: $13.56 Members Price: $13.56 You save $3.39!
|
|
|

Bodhisattvas, the great beings of Mahayana Buddhism, are those who have generated bodhicitta, resolving to gain enlightenment in order to bring about lasting happiness for all living beings. This volume of oral teachings by Geshe Sonam Rinchen explains the altruistic wish to attain enlightenment and the precepts of training which accompany it. Implementing the resolve to gain enlightenment for the sake of all living creatures involves engaging in the marvelous activities of Bodhisattvas.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Buddhism and Bioethics By: Damien Keown
|
|
Our Price: $39.95 Members Price: $39.95
|
|
|

This book discusses contemporary issues in medical ethics from a Buddhist perspective. Drawing on ancient and modern sources, Damien Keown shows how Buddhist ethical principles can be applied consistently to a range of bioethical problems, including abortion, embryo research, and euthanasia.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Buddhist Conduct: The Ten Virtuous Actions By: Thrangu Rinpoche
|
|
Our Price: $9.50 Members Price: $8.55
|
|
|

This book is an extensive examination of how Buddhists of all traditions should conduct themselves as well as guidelines for determining if an action will lead to a positive or negative karmic result.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Buddhist Ethics By: Saddhatissa, Hammalawa
|
|
Our Price: $14.95 Members Price: $13.46
|
|
|

For more than a quarter of a century those in search of an introduction to Buddhist mor"For more than a quarter of a century those in search of an introduction to Buddhist moral thought have turned and returned to this little volume" which includes "a remarkable range of information on Buddhist history, thought and practice as background for understanding the fundamental issues of Buddhist ethics."
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Buddhist Ethics: A Very Short Introduction By: Damien Keown
|
|
Our Price: $11.95 Sale Price: $9.56 Members Price: $9.56 You save $2.39!
|
|
|

The latter half of the twentieth century witnessed a growing interest in Buddhism, and it continues to capture the imagination of many in the West who see it as either an alternative or a supplement to their own religious beliefs. Numerous introductory books have appeared in recent years to cater to this growing interest, but almost none devotes attention to the specifically ethical dimensions of the tradition. For various complex cultural and historical reasons, ethics has not received as much attention in traditional Buddhist thought as it has in the West. Written by Damien Keown, one of the few experts worldwide who specializes in the area, Buddhist Ethics illustrates how Buddhism might approach a range of contemporary morals ranging from abortion to euthanasia, sexuality to cloning, and even war and economics.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Buddhist Monastic Discipline: A Study of its Origin and Development in Relation to the Sutta and Vinaya Pitaka By: Jotiya Dhirasekera
|
|
Our Price: $42.00 Members Price: $37.80
|
|
|

The Buddist Monastic Order is the earliest corporate organisation in the world where within a framework of flexible organisation there was evolved anciliary bodies, riles, regulations and codes of conduct of the most minute detail. Every aspect of a monks life, living in society and together with other monks as well as nuns, have been gone into in the ancient texts. The author has brought to life the ancient organisational forms, rules, and codes and the methods adopted to enforce them without the charge of tyranny being levelled against the Elders. He has shown how the Buddhist concept of ceaseless change has made inroads into the organisation and has been dextrously handled so as to safeguard the doctrine and the organisation. The author draws extensively from the original ancient Pali, Sanskrit and Chinese texts. This book is felt to be of great value to students of Buddhism, students of Asian History and Indologists. This book will be of value to students of political theory whose sources have so far been confined to Geek, Roman and Sanskrit material. it throws new light on ancient Buddhist social organisation.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Buddhist Monastic Discipline: The Sanskrit Pratimoksa Sutras of the Mahasamghikas and Mulasarvastivadins By: Prebish, Charles S.
|
|
Our Price: $15.00 Members Price: $13.50
|
|
|

Buddhist Monastic Discipline contains two significant Buddhist monastic disciplinary texts -- the Sanskrit Pratimoksa Sutras of the Mahasamghikas and Mulasarvastivadins -- for the first time translated into English. They are printed on facing pages for ease of comparison. One of the texts is that of a very early Buddhist school first appearing in the 4th century BCE, and the other is one not mentioned in the records until the 7th century CE. The contrasting texts thus highlight the development of Buddhist sectarian practices. Two introductory chapters precede the translated Sutras. The first gives an overview of the rise of Buddhist monasticism; analyzes Vinaya, that portion of the Buddhist canon regulating the life of monks and nuns; and provisionally identifies the problematics inherent in Pratimoksa study, pointing the way to needed research. The second chapter describes how the two translated Sutras were found and edited. The translated texts are thoroughly annotated, often highlighting hitherto unknown grammatical variants in Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit, and are followed by a concordance table of Bhiksu Pratimoksa Sutras preserved in Indic languages and by selected bibliography.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Candragomin's Twenty Verses on the Bodhisattva Vow By: Sakya Dragpa Gyaltsen
|
|
Our Price: $5.50 Members Price: $4.95
|
|
|

Candragomini's Twenty Verses on the Bodhisattva Vow is short, clear and simple. Acharya Candragomin himself was a great Indian lay practitioner (upasaka)) of the 7th century, famous for his extensive learning and practice. The commentary to the Twenty Verses was also by a learned Tibetan lay practitioner of the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism He was Sakya Dragpa Gyaltsen (1147-1216), the third son of Jetsun Kunga Nyingpo, and is believed to have been a direct disciple of Manjushri for seven lifetimes.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Centrality of Ethics in Buddhism: Exploratory Essays By: Hari Shankar Prasad
|
|
Our Price: $32.95 Members Price: $29.66
|
|
|

This book, through extensive textual study, explores the Buddha’s and Buddhism’s uncompromising and unflinching emphasis on the centrality of ethics as against any pernicious dogmas and metaphysical beliefs, and their attempts to causally relate moral perfection to soteriological or eschatological goal. What is most admirable about Buddhism is that is integrates the vertical development of human consciousness, for which the other is the necessary condition, with the gradual development of morality. It was this emphasis which seperated Siddhartha, before he attained the Awakened Wisdom from his teacher - Alara Kalama and Uddaka Ramaputta - and it is for this reason that the Buddha calls himself and his Dhamma patisotagami, ie, going against the prevailing dogmas and pernicious beliefs. In brief, Buddhism is about overcoming of suffering, the greatest evil, through ethicization of human consciousness and conduct, which also takes care of the ethics of the society and universe. Besides, some of the essays of this book explore many themes like nature of self, time, and interculturality.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Clear Differentiation of the Three Codes, A Essential Distinctions among the Individual Liberation, Great Vehicle, and Tantric Systems By: Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyaltshen
|
|
Our Price: $29.95 Members Price: $26.96
|
|
|

A Clear Differentiation of the Three Codes presents the first English translation of the sDom gsum rab dbye, one of the most famous and controversial doctrinal treatises of Tibetan Buddhism. Written by Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyaltshen (1182-1251), a founder of the Sakya school and one of Tibet's most learned sages, The Three Codes strongly influenced subsequent religious and intellectual traditions in Tibet - and sparked a number of long-lasting doctrinal and philosophical disputes, some of which persist today.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Consequences of Compassion: An Interpretation and Defense of Buddhist Ethics By: Charles Goodman
|
|
Our Price: $74.00 Sale Price: $66.60 Members Price: $66.60 You save $7.40!
|
|
|

To many Westerners, the most appealing teachings of the Buddhist tradition pertain to ethics. Many readers have drawn inspiration from Buddhism's emphasis on compassion, nonviolence, and tolerance, its concern for animals, and its models of virtue and self-cultivation. There has been, however, controversy and confusion about which Western ethical theories resemble Buddhist views and in what respects. In this book, Charles Goodman illuminates the relations between Buddhist concepts and Western ethical theories. Every version of Buddhist ethics, says Goodman, takes the welfare of sentient beings to be the only source of moral obligations. Buddhist ethics can thus be said to be based on compassion in the sense of a motivation to pursue the welfare of others. On this interpretation, the fundamental basis of the various forms of Buddhist ethics is the same as that of the welfarist members of the family of ethical theories that analytic philosophers call 'consequentialism.' Goodman uses this hypothesis to illuminate a variety of questions. He examines the three types of compassion practiced in Buddhism and argues for their implications for important issues in applied ethics, especially the justification of punishment and the question of equality.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Contemporary Buddhist Ethics By: Keown, Damien
|
|
Our Price: $30.95 Members Price: $27.86
|
|
|

This innovative volume examines a range of contemporary moral issues from a Buddhist perspective. It brings together the views of leading scholars on a range of controversial subjects including human rights, animal rights, ecology, abortion, euthanasia, and contemporary business practice, in an attempt to lay the foundations for a Buddhist response to some of the most pressing challenges of today and the next millennium.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Destroying Mara Forever: Buddhist Ethics Essays in Honor of Damien Keown By: John Powers
|
|
Our Price: $22.95 Sale Price: $18.36 Members Price: $18.36 You save $4.59!
|
|
|

A thought-provoking collection of essays on Buddhist ethics by some of the leading thinkers in the field. The reader is provided with engaging explorations of central issues in Buddhist ethics, insightful analyses of the ways Buddhist ethical principles are being applied today in both Asian and Western countries, and groundbreaking proposals about how Buddhist perspectives might inform debates on some of the core ethical issues of the modern world, including consumerism, globalization, environmental problems, war, ethnic conflict, and inter-religious tensions.
The leading figure in identifying the field of Buddhist ethics and articulating some of its core issues is Professor Damien Keown of the University of London. This book brings together a group of eminent scholars who have all been influenced by Keown's work, and who are also friends and close colleagues. The result is a wonderful volume for those who are struggling with practical issues of ethical concern. This will be a valuable resource in the study of ethics for years to come.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Ethics in Early Buddhism By: Kalupahana
|
|
Our Price: $28.00 Members Price: $25.20
|
|
|

Throughout the centuries, moral philosophers have considered a permanent and eternal law a necessary requirement for the formulation of a moral principle. In contrast, early Buddhism presented a radical theory of impermanence. Interpreters of this tradition, however, have been persistent in viewing nirvana or freedom as a permanent and eternal state in contrast to the impermanent world of sensory experience and bondage.
David J. Kalupahana's balanced and brilliantly concise account is an attempt to place the early Buddhist descriptions of the world of experience, the state of freedom, and the moral principle leading to such freedom within the framework of impermanence. He begins by outlining the Indian philosophical background and proceeds to analyze the presuppositions of these moral theories. A comprehensive description of the moral teachings of early Buddhism follows. Kalupahana goes on to demonstrate the application of the moral principle in the explanation of society, economics, politics, law and justice, and nature. The conclusion highlights the two most important metaphors used in the early discourse: the stream (of becoming) and the lotus (of freedom).
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Ethics of Buddhism By: Shundo Tachibana
|
|
Our Price: $32.95 Members Price: $29.66
|
|
|

This book, so far as can be ascertained, is the first work to be devoted entirely to the ethics of Buddhism, presenting an in-depth appraisal of the cardinal virtues of Buddhism, from self-restraint, abstinance and contentment to gratitude, toleration and righteousness.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Ethics of Tibet By: Tsong-Kha-Pa By: Alex Wayman (translator)
|
|
Our Price: $24.50 Members Price: $22.05
|
|
|

Bodhisattva Section of Tsong-Kha-Pa's LAM RIM CHEN MO Translated by Alex Wayman from the Tibetan original With a Foreword by the Dalai Lama. One of the leading Tibetan scholars in the world has translated this work by the great Tsong-kha-pa, the titular head of the Gelugpa Sect and perhaps the Tibetan equivalent of the great Nagarjuna. This first complete English translation also reveals the encyclopedic mind of Tsongkhapa, whose copious references to the sutras are a gold mine. He, more than anyone else, shaped the development of Tibetan Buddhism as we know it today.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Going Forth: Visions of Buddhist Vinaya By: William Bodiford
|
|
Our Price: $48.00 Members Price: $43.20
|
|
|

In its role as a scriptural charter, vinaya has justified widely dissimilar approaches to religious life as Buddhist orders in different times and places have interpreted it in contradictory ways. In the resulting tension between scripture and practice, certain kinds of ceremonial issues (such as those involving lineage, seniority, initiation, purification, repentance, visualization, vows, ordination) acquire profound social, psychological, doctrinal, and soteriological significance in Buddhism. Going Forth focuses on these issues over a wide sweep of history--from early fifth-century China to modern Japan--to provide readers with a rich overview of the intersection of doctrinal, ritual, and institutional concerns in the development of East Asian Buddhist practices.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Interbeing: Precepts for Everyday Living By: Thich Nhat Hanh
|
|
Our Price: $12.00 Members Price: $10.80
|
|
|

This small book is one of the gems of spiritual literature. Thich Nhat Hanh's Buddhist precepts of acceptance, patience, and extending oneself are as necessary as rain to parceled earth. Short, sweet,and direct. . .a book to read and treasure." Formulated bv Thich Nhat Hanh during the Vietnam War, the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings of the Order of Interbeing are a penetrating expression of traditional Buddhist morality coming to terms with contemporary issues. In this new third edition, Thich Nhat Hanh introduces the term "mindfulness trainings" for "precepts."
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Introduction to Buddhist Ethics By: Harvey, Peter
|
|
Our Price: $33.00 Members Price: $29.70
|
|
|

This systematic introduction to Buddhist ethics is aimed at anyone interested in Buddhism, including students, scholars, and general readers. Peter Harvey is the author of acclaimed Introduction to Buddhism (Cambridge, 1990), and his new book is written in a clear style, assuming no prior knowledge.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Lama Mipam's Commentary to Nagarjuna's Stanzas For a Novice Monk By: Nagarjuna, Je TsongKhapa, Mipham
|
|
Our Price: $6.95 Members Price: $6.26
|
|
|

Also Je Tsong Khapa's Essence of the Ocean of Vinaya These two works concern the Vinaya, or system of self-discipline, which is considered of vital importance in monastic training. These texts focus on the Vinaya as it is taught to young novice monks. The first work is Nagarjuna's Stanzas for a Novice Monk, presented with a commentary by the 19ht century Nyingma lama, Jamyang Mipam Rinpoche. The second work, Essence of the Ocean of Vinaya, was composed in the 14th century by the great Je Tsong Khapa and concerns the eight fundamental categories of the pratimoksha vows.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Monastic Discipline for the Buddhist Nuns By: Hirakawa
|
|
Our Price: $25.00 Members Price: $22.50
|
|
|

|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Path of Compassion: The Bodhisattva Precepts The Chinese Brahma's Net Sutra
|
|
Our Price: $21.95 Members Price: $19.95
|
|
|

This new and moving translation of the Brahma's Net Sutra also includes translations of ancillary materials not previously available. Translated and introduced by the well-known teacher and author Martine Batchelor, this should become a classic for all those who aspire to the compassion of the Buddha.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Perfect Conduct; Ascertaining the Three Vows By: Dudjom Rinpoche
|
|
Our Price: $18.00 Members Price: $16.20
|
|
|

This book is a translation of an ancient exposition of the three levels of moral codes in Tibetan Buddhism- the vows of individual liberation; the vows of the bodhisattva, who selflessly strives for the enlightenment of all beings; and the vows of tantra, the esoteric path of Mahayana practice. For the first time, a comprehensive explanation of these vows is present with explanatory teachings on how to practice them in everyday life. Until his recent passing, His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, author of "The Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism," was the supreme head of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Here, he offers his authoritative and highly useful commentary on the role of ethics and morality in Buddhist practice, outlining in detail the meaning and scope of the vows, and gives practical advice on maintaining the vows as supportive tools for meditative practice and daily life.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Profound View, Fearless Path By: Dzogchen Ponlop
|
|
Our Price: $12.00 Members Price: $10.80
Out of Stock
|
|
|

"The reason someone who take the Bodhisattva Vow is fit to be called a Bodhisattva is that simply taking the vow involves a tremendous amount of courage. You are accepting as your own individual responsibility the welfare and the eventual awakening of an inconceivable, possibly infinite, number of beings."
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Rules for Nuns By: Heirmann, Ann
|
|
Our Price: $70.00 Members Price: $63.00
|
|
|

'The Discipline in Four Parts' The present work provides the first complete annotated translation into English of the Chinese version of the bhiksunivibhanga of the Dharmaguptakavinaya. This vinaya> laid the foundation of Chinese monastic life. As the Dharmaguptakavinaya came into being in symbiosis with other vinaya> traditions, a comparison is made with these other traditions on important issues.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Sisters in Solitude By: Karma Lekshe Tsomo
|
|
Our Price: $16.00 Members Price: $14.40
|
|
|

Provides the first English translation of the Tibetan and Chinese texts on monastic discipline for Buddhist nuns and presents a comparative study of the two texts. An important contribution for studies of women's history, feminist philosophy, women's studies, women in religion, and feminist ethics.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Survey of Vinaya Literature By: Prebish
|
|
Our Price: $55.00 Members Price: $49.50
|
|
|

This book is the most important research tool for vinaya studies now available. The work covers both primary and secondary sources in Sanskrit, Pali, Tibetan, and Chinese as well as modern language sources in English, French, German and recent Japanese studies. The survey is thorough and attempts not to omit any major studies.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Sutra on Upasaka Precepts By: Shih Heng-ching, Bhiksuni
|
|
Our Price: $30.00 Members Price: $27.00
|
|
|

The Upasakasila-sutra (Yu-p'o-sai-chieh ching) is a sutra that sets forth the moral code to be observed by lay followers of Buddhism. The Upasakasila-sutra is also known as the Sujata-sutra (Shansheng ching) because Sujata is the main character of the sutra. As its title indicates, the Upasakasila-sutra comprehensively elucidates the content, practice, and essence of the moral code to be observed by lay bodhisattvas.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Taking the Bodhisattva Vow By: Bokar Rinpoche
|
|
Our Price: $9.95 Members Price: $8.96
|
|
|

In this work, Bokar Rinpoche gives us a clear presentation of the Bodhisattva vow, its nature, and its implications. We learn of aspiring and realizing Bodhicitta (mind of awakening) and of the various stages of the Bodhisattvas and their activity. Bokar Rinpoche explains how to take the vow, the commitments, the precepts, and how to purify ourselves if we break the Bodhisattva vow.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Tantric Ethics, An Explanation of the Precepts for Buddhist Varjayana Practice By: Tsongkhapa
|
|
Our Price: $16.95 Members Price: $15.26
|
|
|

Central to Buddhism of Tibet are the esoteric techniques of the tantric, or Vajrayana, tradition. These practices involve recitation of matra and complex visualizations and are passed from teacher to student during sacred initiation ceremonies. Tantra constitutes the fabric of a Tibetan Buddhist's daily practice, but cannot be succesful without adherence to the tantric precepts, the code of ethical behavior for aspirants on the Vajrayana path. The tantric vows are the highest of the three complementary sets of vows in Tibetan Buddhism, following the Pratimoksha (monastic) and Mahayana vows.
The scholar and tantric adept Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), one of the greatest philosophers produced by Tibet's Buddhist culture, composed works on every aspect of Buddhist philosophy and practice. This book contains a translation of his Fruit Clusters of Siddhis, an explanation of the tantric vows, and provides a clear explanation of the nature of each vow and the criteria for determining when a downfall has occured.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Three Buddhist Vows: Vinaya, Bodhicatta & Mantrasanvar
|
|
Our Price: $20.00 Members Price: $18.00
|
|
|

In Vinaya Pitaka, Patimokha has been accepted as one of the oldest texts of the Buddhist canon. Patimokkha (Skt. Pratimoksa) is a list of rules or courses of training to be observed by the bhikkhus and bhikkunis.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Tibetan Vinaya: Guide to Buddhist Conduct By: Thrangu Rinpoche
|
|
Our Price: $13.00 Members Price: $11.70
|
|
|

Traditionally the Buddhist teachings are divided into three major divisions: the Sutras, the Vinaya, and the Abhidharma. The Vinaya are the discourses of the Buddha on the conduct of the monks and nuns and also lay persons.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Treasury of Knowledge, Book 5: Buddhist Ethics By: Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye
|
|
Our Price: $34.95 Members Price: $31.46
|
|
|

Jamgon Kongtrul's monumental Encyclopedia of Buddhism (Treasury of Knowledge) contains a complete account of the major lines of thought and practice that comprise Tibetan Buddhism. Buddhist Ethics is the fifth part of that work and considered by many scholars to be its heart.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Vinaya Texts, Vol. I-III By: Rhys Davids T. W. and Hermann Oldenberg,
|
|
Our Price: $45.00 Members Price: $40.50
|
|
|

Volume I: The Patimokkha, The Mhavagga I-IV; Volume II: The Mahavagga V-X, The Kulavagga I-III; Volume III: The Kulavagga IV-XII
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Virtuous Bodies: The Physical Dimensions of Morality in Buddhist Ethics By: Susanne Mrozik
|
|
Our Price: $45.00 Sale Price: $40.50 Members Price: $40.50 You save $4.50!
|
|
|

Virtuous Bodies breaks new ground in the field of Buddhist ethics by investigating the diverse roles bodies play in ethical development. Traditionally, Buddhists assumed a close connection between body and morality. Thus Buddhist literature contains descriptions of living beings that stink with sin, are disfigured by vices, or are perfumed and adorned with virtues. Taking an influential early medieval Indian Mahayana Buddhist text Santideva's Compendium of Training (Siksasamuccaya) -as a case study, Susanne Mrozik demonstrates that Buddhists regarded ethical development as a process of physical and moral transformation.
Mrozik chooses The Compendium of Training because it quotes from over one hundred Buddhist scriptures, allowing her to reveal a broader Buddhist interest in the ethical significance of bodies. The text is a training manual for bodhisattvas, especially monastic bodhisattvas. In it, bodies function as markers of, and conditions for, one's own ethical development. Most strikingly, bodies also function as instruments for the ethical development of others. When living beings come into contact with the virtuous bodies of bodhisattvas, they are transformed physically and morally for the better.
Virtuous Bodies explores both the centrality of bodies to the bodhisattva ideal and the corporeal specificity of that ideal. Arguing that the bodhisattva ideal is an embodied ethical ideal, Mrozik poses an array of fascinating questions: What does virtue look like? What kinds of physical features constitute virtuous bodies? What kinds of bodies have virtuous effects on others?
|
|
 |