Philosophy of the Buddha is a philosophical introduction to the teaching of the Buddha. It carefully guides readers through the basic ideas and practices of the Buddha, including kamma (karma), rebirth, the not-self doctrine, the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, ethics, meditation, nonattachment, and Nibbana (Nirvana). The book includes an account of the life of the Buddha as well as comparisons of his teaching with practical and theoretical aspects of some Western philosophical outlooks, both ancient and modern. Most distinctively, Philosophy of the Buddha explores how Buddhist enlightenment could enable us to overcome suffering in our lives and reach our full potential for compassion and tranquillity. This is one of the first books to introduce the philosophy of the Buddha to students of Western philosophy. Christopher W. Gowans' style is exceptionally clear and appropriate for anyone looking for a comprehensive introduction to this growing area of interest.
Philosophy of the Buddha, Christopher W. Gowans, RoutledgeCurzon, Paperback, 225 pages, $24.95.
Christopher W. Gowans is Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University.
Preface |
ix |
Abbreviations |
xi |
The Buddha's teaching as a philosophy |
1 |
Observing the stream |
3 |
The life of the Buddha |
17 |
The teaching in brief |
28 |
Practical dimensions of the teaching |
41 |
Theoretical dimensions of the teaching |
50 |
The not-self doctrine |
61 |
An interpretation of the not-self doctrine |
63 |
The rationale for thinking there are no substance-selves |
76 |
Some philosophical issues: are we substance-selves or process-selves? |
91 |
Kamma, rebirth, and the not-self doctrine |
104 |
The nature, origin, and cessation of suffering |
117 |
The nature and extent of suffering |
119 |
The origin of suffering |
127 |
The cessation of suffering: Nibbana-in-life |
135 |
The cessation of suffering: Nibbana-after-death |
148 |
The way to the cessation of suffering |
159 |
The Eightfold Path: wisdom |
161 |
The Eightfold Path: virtue |
176 |
The Eightfold Path: concentration |
186 |
A message of hope: the Buddha's invitation to live selflessly |
197 |
Buddhist resources on the Internet |
201 |
Glossary of important Pali terms |
202 |
Bibliography |
206 |
Index |
216 |
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