Buddhist Philosophy : a historical analysis / David J. Kalupahana

Book

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Dharma Centre of Canada: Archive

Name/Title

Buddhist Philosophy : a historical analysis / David J. Kalupahana

Entry/Object ID

BQ4150 .K34 1976

Description

This introduction to Buddhism examines its basic philosophical teachings and historical development, setting forth complex and significant ideas in a straightforward and simple style that is easily accessible to the student. The author's orientation is philosophical, rather than religious or sociological. This approach is both the uniqueness and the strength of the work. Part I outlines the historical background out of which Buddhism arose and emphasizes the teachings of early Buddhism. By comparing the earliest Buddhist literature in both the Pali Nikayas and the Chinese Agamas, the author has established the common base of earliest Buddhism most free of sectarian rivalry. Topics such as epistemology, causality, existence, karma, morality, ethics, and nirvana are discussed in detail. Part II examines developments in the history of Buddhist thought and the emergence of the various schools of Buddhism. The development of Abhidharma is studied through analysis of the various doctrines of the scholastics that comprise Abhidharma literature, as is early Mahayana through the Mahayana sutras. Two chapters examine Madhyamika Transcendentalism and Yogacara Idealism. The Buddha's attitude toward metaphysics and the relationship between early Buddhism and Zen are covered in two appendices. --Rear Cover. Contents: Early Buddhism Historical Background Epistemology Causality The Three Characteristics of Existence Karma and Rebirth Morality and Ethics Nirvana Later Buddhism: Beginnings of Scholasticism and Mahayana Scholasticism -- Theravada, Sarvastivada, and Sautrantika Development of Mahayana Madhyamika Transcendentalism Yogacara Idealism Appendix 1: Metaphysics and the Buddha Appendix 2: Reflections on the Relation between Early Buddhism and Zen

Collection

Jotidhammo Collection

Dimensions

Dimension Description

xxi, 189 pages

Book Details

Author

David J. Kalupahana

Publisher

University Press of Hawaii

Place Published

City

Honolulu

Date Published

1976

Publication Subjects

Buddhist doctrines Buddhist philosophy

Call No.

BQ4150 .K34 1976

ISBN

0824803922