This book studies the doctrinal development of the Pali Nirvana and subsequent tradition and compares it with the Chinese Agama and its traditional interpretation. The author clarifies early doctrinal developments of Nirvana and traces the word and related terms back to their original metaphorical contexts, elucidating diverse interpretations and doctrinal and philosophical developments in the abhidharma exegeses and treatises of Southern and Northern Buddhist schools. The book finally examines which school, if any, kept the original meaning and reference of Nirvana.

Metaphor and Literalism in Buddhism, The Doctrinal History of Nirvana, David Waterhouse, Paperback, 2006, 160 Pages, $49.95

Soonil Hwang is Assistant Professor in the Department of Indian Philosophy at Dongguk University, Seoul. His research interests are focused upon early Indian Buddhism, Buddhist Philosophy and Sectarian Buddhism.

Chapter 1 Liberating Environments
Chapter 2 Health and Healing when Relationships are Basic
Chapter 3 Trade, Development, and the Possibility of Post-Market Economics
Chapter 4 Technology, Media, and the Colonization of Consciousness
Chapter 5 Governance Cultures and Countercultures: Religion, Politics and Public Good
Chapter 6 Diversity as Commons: International Relations Beyond Competition and Cooperation
Chapter 7 From Vulnerability to Virtuosity: Reflections on Responding to Terrorism and Tragedy
Chapter 8 Educating for Virtuosity