Synopses & Reviews
Includes bibliographical references (p. 206-215) and index.
Synopsis
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, non-attachment, and Nibb na (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.
Table of Contents
pt. 1. TheBuddha's teaching as a philosophy --1.Observing the stream --2. Thelife of the Buddha --3. Theteaching in brief --4.Practical dimensions of the teaching --5.Theoretical dimensions of the teaching --pt. 2. Thenot-self doctrine --6. Aninterpretation of the not-self doctrine --7. Therationale for thinking there are no substance-selves --8.Some philosophical issues : are we substance-selves or process-selves --9.Kamma, rebirth, and the not-self doctrine --pt. 3. Thenature, origin, and cessation of suffering --10. Thenature and extent of suffering --11. Theorigin of suffering --12. Thecessation of suffering : nibbåana-in-life --13. Thecessation of suffering : nibbåana-after-death --pt. 4. Theway to the cessation of suffering --14. Theeightfold path : wisdom --15. Theeightfold path : virtue --16. Theeightfold path : concentration --17. Amessage of hope : the Buddha's invitation to live selflessly.