Philosophy of the Buddha / Christopher W. Gowans.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gowans, Christopher W.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Buddhism.

Physical Description:

xi, 227 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

London ; New York : Routledge, 2003.

Summary:

"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 Nibbâ 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.

Contents:

pt. 1. The Buddha's teaching as a philosophy

1. Observing the stream

2. The life of the Buddha

3. The teaching in brief

4. Practical dimensions of the teaching

5. Theoretical dimensions of the teaching

pt. 2. The not-self doctrine

6. An interpretation of the not-self doctrine

7. The rationale 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. The nature, origin, and cessation of suffering

10. The nature and extent of suffering

11. The origin of suffering

12. The cessation of suffering : nibbāna-in-life

13. The cessation of suffering : nibbāna-after-death

pt. 4. The way to the cessation of suffering

14. The eightfold path : wisdom

15. The eightfold path : virtue

16. The eightfold path : concentration

17. A message of hope : the Buddha's invitation to live selflessly.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 206-215) and index.

ISBN:

0415278570

0415278589

OCLC:

51566463