East Asian and Indian philosophy Books

Book SynopsisShortlisted for the PEN Hessel-Tiltman Prize''A terrific book, rich and endlessly thought provoking. . . If you are looking for one book to understand the core ideas of Chinese civilisation, read this'' - Michael WoodAn engrossing history of ancient Chinese philosophy and culture from an eminent Cambridge expertWe are often told that the twenty-first century is bound to become China''s century. Never before has Chinese culture been so physically, digitally, economically or aesthetically present in everyday Western life. But how much do we really know about its origins and key beliefs? How did the ancient Chinese think about the world?In this enlightening book, Roel Sterckx, one of the foremost experts in Chinese thought, takes us through centuries of Chinese history, from Confucius to Daoism to the Legalists. The great questions that have occupied China''s brightest minds were not about who and what we are, but rather how Trade ReviewAt a time in current affairs when understanding China and the Chinese mindset has become imperative, Chinese Thought brilliantly shows us the origin of that country's thinking -- Alexander Watson * BBC: History Magazine Books of the Year *A terrific book, rich and endlessly thought provoking. Roel Sterckx is a delightfully engaging and informed travelling companion who gives us a wonderful overview of Chinese thought. If you are looking for one book to understand the core ideas of Chinese civilisation, read this -- Michael Wood, author of The Story of ChinaWe have been waiting for this book for too long. For centuries, the real China has been locked in a distant castle by both the western media and Chinese propaganda. If you are curious about the origin of China's yin and yang, if you want to know more about the roots of Chinese philosophy, if you want to know how to do business with the Chinese, if you want to gain insight into Chinese art, or even if you want to understand the mentality of Chinese people, this book will answer these questions for you. Roel Sterckx's book can be the key to opening that Chinese castle's gate, and help you to understand how Chinese life has taken shape from Confucius to the food menus of today -- Xinran Xue, author of Sky Burial, The Good Women of China, and China WitnessAn outstanding introduction to the world of thought in classical China. Engagingly written and beautifully argued. . . an invaluable work for anyone interested in exploring the key ideas and concerns that have animated so much of Chinese civilization -- Michael Puett, author of The Path: What Chinese Philosophers Can Teach Us About the Good LifeAn indispensable read for those keen to understand China past and present. Sterckx's journey through the complex world of Chinese thinking is thorough, clear, accessible, articulate and fascinating. I will be recommending this book to my students, colleagues and friends alike -- Michael Scott, author of Ancient WorldsEver wondered why Chinese have valued ritual more than law, harmony more than personal accomplishment? In this engagingly-written book, Roel Sterckx makes these and other central elements in Chinese thought easy to understand and interesting to think about -- Patricia B. Ebrey, professor of history, University of Washington

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Book SynopsisNow in paperback! Accessible and adaptable Japanese Buddhist rituals to infuse your life with purpose, healing, and gratitude when you need it most.How do we make and sustain meaning amidst the messy conditions of daily life? Personalized rituals can help us blossom like lotuses right in the mud of the present. On a pilgrimage she began after her mother?s death, author Paula Arai encountered numerous Japanese Buddhists who taught her the remarkable power of ritual to heal?practices you can adapt to your own cultural and personal circumstances. Applying principles of Zen practice, she offers stories and insights that illuminate how to nourish and reap a healing bounty of connection, joy, and compassion. Examples include how to: Relate to a late loved one as a ?personal Buddha? who supports you Create a home altar to serve as a safe space to be vulnerable, face intense emotions, and experience a depth of warm gratitude that melts fear and anger Engage in daily tasks with attentiveness, intention, and creativity such that they become opportunities for body-mind integrationDevelop family rituals to celebrate relationship and mark transitionApproach illness and grief with a purposeful sense of connection to life-and-death in its wholenessLike Marie Kondo''s Shinto principles for decluttering, Paula Arai uses rituals influenced by Japanese Zen for personal and relational nourishment and spiritual healing.

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Book SynopsisThis volume contains Sangharakshita's translations of several Pali suttas, including the Dhammapada, the 'best known and best loved of all Buddhist scriptures'. It also contains commentaries on the Satipatthana Sutta, the Buddha's seminal teaching on mindfulness; the Karaniya Metta Sutta, the equally essential teaching on loving kindness; the Mangala Sutta; and the Tiratana Vandana. The volume concludes with The Threefold Refuge, in which Sangharakshita explores perspectives on Going for Refuge to the Three Jewels not found elsewhere in his writings.Table of ContentsForeword A Note from the Editor Part 1: Translations Dhammapada Auspicious Signs (Mangala Sutta) Jewels (Ratana Sutta) Outside the Walls (Tirokudda Sutta) The Buried Treasure (Nidhikandha Sutta) Loving Kindness (Karaniya Metta Sutta) Salutation to the Three Jewels (Tiratana Vandana) Part 2: Commentaries Living with Awareness Living with Kindness Living Beautifully (Dhammapada Chapter 9) Auspicious Signs (Mangala Sutta) Salutation to the Three Jewels (Tiratana Vandana) The Threefold Refuge Notes and References Index A Guide to The Complete Works of Sangharakshita

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Book SynopsisA concise and accessible introduction to the evolution of the concept of moral self-cultivation in the Chinese Confucian tradition, this volume begins with an explanation of the pre-philosophical development of ideas central to this concept, followed by an examination of the specific treatment of self cultivation in the philosophy of Kongzi (Confucius), Mengzi (Mencius), Xunzi, Zhu Xi, Wang Yangming, Yan Yuan and Dai Zhen. In addition to providing a survey of the views of some of the most influential Confucian thinkers on an issue of fundamental importance to the tradition, Ivanhoe also relates their concern with moral self-cultivation to a number of topics in the Western ethical tradition. Bibliography and index are included.Trade ReviewThe publication of this book itself is news. Hackett has emerged as one of the three leading publishers in English of books in philosophy, especially of classic texts and studies of classic texts. Their publication of a second edition of Ivanhoe's study is a strong signal that China is now on the English-speaking world's philosophical map . . . . Besides being a harbinger, Ivanhoe's book has singular merits. He is a careful and thorough interpreter of texts, and also has the knack of presenting an insight or an interpretive move in a short space and in pointed language. This ability to say something important in a condensed and vivid way is invaluable in a book whose intended audience includes not only scholars of Chinese philosophy but also philosophically grounded readers whose previous knowledge of Chinese philosophy has been slight. Another merit is the way in which Ivanhoe presents other people's scholarship. He provides a wide range of citations of recent interpretations of the texts under discussion; but in general the explanation and Ivanhoe's answering comment are kept brief, which enhances the readability of the book for its intended audiences . . . . As a detailed presentation of Confucian accounts of moral self cultivation, and of recent scholarship pertaining to this, [this book] is I think superb and unrivaled. --Joel J. Kupperman, Journal of Chinese Philosophy

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Book SynopsisThe Inner Chapters are the oldest pieces of the larger collection of writings by several fourth, third, and second century B.C. authors that constitute the classic of Taoism, the Chuang-Tzu (or Zhuangzi). It is this core of ancient writings that is ascribed to Chuang-Tzu himself.Trade ReviewGraham's study and translation of the Zhuangzi remains one of the most valuable and important sources for students of Zhuangzi's thought. The Introduction is remarkably rich, and the combination of philological care and philosophical insight that Graham brings to the text make this the most philosophically revealing and productive translation available. --Philip J. Ivanhoe, Boston UniversityMore than just a translation of the renowned seven initial chapters of this foundational Taoist text, Angus Graham's Chuang-Tzu: The Inner Chapters includes about four-fifths of the entire work. It is the only Western translation organized around the distinct philosophical viewpoints in the text, and it is without a doubt the most innovative, philologically precise and religiously significant. It has been out of print for most of the past decade and its republication is most welcome. --Harold D. Roth, Brown UniversityAngus Graham was for many of us the most distinguished sinologist of his generation. This annotated translation of the Zhuangzi is a splendid demonstration that only his rare combination of philological and philosophical acuity can provide the Western reader nuanced access to the profundity and humor of one of the world’s masterpieces of philosophical literature. --Roger T. Ames, University of Hawaii

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Book SynopsisThis volume serves both as an introduction to the thought of Mengzi (Mencius) and Wang Yangming and as a comparison of their views. By examining issues held in common by both thinkers, Ivanhoe illustrates how the Confucian tradition was both continued and transformed by Wang Yangming, and shows the extent to which he was influenced by Buddhism. Topics explored are: the nature of morality; human nature; the nature and origin of wickedness; self cultivation; and sagehood. In addition to revised versions of each of these original chapters, Ivanhoe includes a new chapter on Kongzi''s (Confucius'') view of the Way.Trade ReviewThis enlightening book is a comparative study of the moral and metaphysical theories of these two luminaries of the Confucian tradition. . . . Ivanhoe draws in masterful strokes the trajectory of the Confucian image of the sage, from the semi-divine creator heroes revered by Kongzi, to Mengzi's human exemplars of perfected self-cultivation, to Wang Yangming's concept of the innate sagehood of every human. --Rene Goldman, Pacific AffairsIvanhoe's fine book deserves a wide readership. It will interest scholars of Confucianism as well as those specializing in Chinese intellectual history. Two informative appendices, along with the excellent index (which includes the most important Chinese characters used in the book), make it a useful work for specialists. I also recommend this book to anyone concerned with comparative philosophy and to those currently working in virtue ethics. The latter will find many ideas and arguments within this book that resonate with, and perhaps complement, Western virtue ethics. --Victoria Harrison-Carter, Dao: A Journal of Comparative Philosophy

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Book SynopsisMengzi (Mencius) is known for his sophisticated views on human nature and moral psychology. These essays explore a range of philosophical ideas at the core of his moral philosophy and relate them to both traditional Chinese and Western philosophical concerns.Trade ReviewIt is difficult to do justice to the richness of all the essays in this short review. . . . [T]he exceptionally rigorous and inspiring scholarship offered by this collection has laid the groundwork for future inquiries, and anyone interested in Chinese thought will benefit greatly from engaging with the authors' enlightening and rewarding reconstructions of Mengzi's moral philosophy. This is a remarkable achievement, especially given the fact that the Mengzi is an exceedingly difficult text. --Yang Xiao, Journal of the American Academy of Religion

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Book SynopsisMengzi (Mencius) is known for his sophisticated views on human nature and moral psychology. These essays explore a range of philosophical ideas at the core of his moral philosophy and relate them to both traditional Chinese and Western philosophical concerns.Trade ReviewIt is difficult to do justice to the richness of all the essays in this short review. . . . [T]he exceptionally rigorous and inspiring scholarship offered by this collection has laid the groundwork for future inquiries, and anyone interested in Chinese thought will benefit greatly from engaging with the authors' enlightening and rewarding reconstructions of Mengzi's moral philosophy. This is a remarkable achievement, especially given the fact that the Mengzi is an exceedingly difficult text. --Yang Xiao, Journal of the American Academy of Religion

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Book SynopsisThe intellectual contributions of the Han (206 BCE-CE 220) have for too long received short shrift in introductory anthologies of Chinese thought. It was during the Han''s unprecedented centuries-long unification of China that a canon of classical texts emerged, syncretic and scholastic trends transformed the legacy of pre-imperial philosophy, and popular religious movements shook official verities. With Mark Csikszentmihalyi''s collection, readers at last have an accessible, eclectic introduction to the key themes of thought during this crucial period. Providing clear introductory essays and elegant, readable translations, Csikszentmihalyi exercises a judicious revisionism by breaking down stereotypes of philosophical orthodoxy and offering a subtler vision of cross-fertilization in thought. His juxtaposition of texts that reflect very different social milieux and their problems gives a more vivid picture of the Han than has ever before been available in an English-language colleTrade ReviewA judicious selection from primary sources to illustrate the growth of ideas in early imperial times. Teachers and students will welcome these readable translations of passages drawn from Han writings that are not widely known and which add depth to existing views of Chinese ways of thought, religious practices, and means of government. --Michael Loewe, University of Cambridge"This reader is an incredibly rich resource. It fills a crucial pedagogical gap, and will no doubt become a standard textbook in the teaching of early Chinese thought to non-specialists. The depth of annotation and notes for further reading also make it rich hunting ground for advanced students and specialists in the field, who have much to learn from Csikszentmihalyi's breadth of scholarship and lucid analysis of the world of thought and practice in the Han." --Edward Slingerland, University of British Columbia"The selections are judiciously chosen, insightfully introduced, and fluidly and accurately translated. At Hackett's budget-conscious list price, the book is an obvious choice for the classroom, and ranks as one of the most important sourcebooks in Chinese civilization to have appeared in recent decades. . . . Virtually every aspect of Han philosophy and religion is represented between these covers." —Paul R. Goldin, Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations, University of PennsylvaniaTable of ContentsIntroduction. Statecraft: Ritual Theory; Governing and Non-Action; Punishment. The Natural World: The Dao; Spirits; Divination and Omens; Medicine and the Body. Knowledge: Confucius; Lao Tzu; Book of Changes. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe intellectual contributions of the Han (206 BCE-CE 220) have for too long received short shrift in introductory anthologies of Chinese thought. It was during the Han''s unprecedented centuries-long unification of China that a canon of classical texts emerged, syncretic and scholastic trends transformed the legacy of pre-imperial philosophy, and popular religious movements shook official verities. With Mark Csikszentmihalyi''s collection, readers at last have an accessible, eclectic introduction to the key themes of thought during this crucial period. Providing clear introductory essays and elegant, readable translations, Csikszentmihalyi exercises a judicious revisionism by breaking down stereotypes of philosophical orthodoxy and offering a subtler vision of cross-fertilization in thought. His juxtaposition of texts that reflect very different social milieux and their problems gives a more vivid picture of the Han than has ever before been available in an English-language colleTrade ReviewA judicious selection from primary sources to illustrate the growth of ideas in early imperial times. Teachers and students will welcome these readable translations of passages drawn from Han writings that are not widely known and which add depth to existing views of Chinese ways of thought, religious practices, and means of government. --Michael Loewe, University of Cambridge"This reader is an incredibly rich resource. It fills a crucial pedagogical gap, and will no doubt become a standard textbook in the teaching of early Chinese thought to non-specialists. The depth of annotation and notes for further reading also make it rich hunting ground for advanced students and specialists in the field, who have much to learn from Csikszentmihalyi's breadth of scholarship and lucid analysis of the world of thought and practice in the Han." --Edward Slingerland, University of British Columbia"The selections are judiciously chosen, insightfully introduced, and fluidly and accurately translated. At Hackett's budget-conscious list price, the book is an obvious choice for the classroom, and ranks as one of the most important sourcebooks in Chinese civilization to have appeared in recent decades. . . . Virtually every aspect of Han philosophy and religion is represented between these covers." —Paul R. Goldin, Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations, University of PennsylvaniaTable of ContentsCONTENTS: Introduction. Statecraft: Ritual Theory; Governing and Non-Action; Punishment. The Natural World: The Dao; Spirits; Divination and Omens; Medicine and the Body. Knowledge: Confucius; Lao Tzu; Book of Changes. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.

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Book Synopsis Twenty discourses from the Pali Canon--including those most essential to the study and teaching of early Buddhism--are provided in fresh translations, accompanied by introductions that highlight the main themes and set the ideas presented in the context of wider philosophical and religious issues. Taken together, these fascinating works give an account of Buddhist teachings directly from the earliest primary sources. In his General Introduction, John J. Holder discusses the structure and language of the Pali Canon--its importance within the Buddhist tradition and the historical context in which it developed--and gives an overview of the basic doctrines of early Buddhism.

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Book SynopsisOffers selections from the foundational texts of the Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Zen traditions. This title provides students with an introduction to the first 1200 years of this tradition. It includes general introduction and notes that provide historical, biographical, and cultural context.Trade Review"[T]he Zen Sourcebook [is] an excellent cross-section of some of the most important texts in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Zen. The translations [are] well chosen from among the best available. . . . This is an excellent sourcebook for both beginners and serious practitioners." —John Daido Loori, Abbot, Zen Mountain Monastery"This is an excellent book . . . to be commended for its wide coverage; the Korean material is especially hard to find. . . . The short introductions to the selections are lucid, informative and focused, providing a good framework through which to understand the readings. Anyone who wants to work directly with translations of the primary texts, rather than textbook summaries, will find this book the most convenient available." —Brook Ziporyn, Northwestern University"The timeless words of Zen masters running the gamut from the well-known (Dogen and Bodhidharma) to the more obscure (miscellaneous Chinese nuns) can be found in [this book]. . . The teachings, which come in many forms—poetry, letters, and artwork among them—serve as primary texts, while pithy introductions provide historical background on topics ranging from the declining influence of Zen masters in seventeenth-century Japan to Korean master So Sahn's famous army of five thousand monks. This collection of Zen delights offers plenty of teachings to sink your teeth into, including this Blue Cliff Record koan: "A monk asked Yun-men, 'What is the teaching that goes beyond Buddhas and Patriarchs?' Yun-men said, 'A sesame bun.'" Bon appetit." —Tricycle"[A]n invaluable collection of teachings from China, Korea, and Japan, revealing Zen's brilliant use of language to evoke the Buddha's realization." —Buddhadharma"This sourcebook seem to me to be a uniquely rich and valuable treasure trove."—Rachel Hadas, Department of English, Rutgers University"I find that students from all academic backgrounds are able to access the material, yet it is scholarly and rigorous. I particularly appreciate the inclusion of the nuns' poetry, which other collections (such as The Roaring Stream) tend to ignore." —Alison Jameson, Department of East Asian Studies, University of Arizona

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Book SynopsisA translation of over two-thirds of the classic Daoist text "Zhuangzi" (Chuang Tzu), including the complete inner chapters and selections from the outer and miscellaneous chapters, as well as judicious selections from 2000 years of traditional Chinese commentaries.Trade ReviewThe Zhuangzi, with its 'goblet words,' lends itself by design to endless interpretation, of which no single instance has any real claim to the 'correct' meaning of the text. To date, Zhuangzi translations have presented their readers with only a single view of the text--that of the translator himself. With Ziporyn's book, the English world finally has the means to read the Zhuangzi the way it should be read: through the eyes of many. Ziporyn has carefully selected the most illuminating passages to be found within several of the most brilliant Zhuangzi commentaries written over the past two millennia, and he has rendered these often abstruse interpretations, along with the key Zhuangzi chapters which form their subject, accurately and lucidly into flowing English prose. This extraordinary work sets the new standard for Zhuangzi translations, and will prove an indispensable resource for anyone who wishes to take a comprehensive view of this most timeless and boundless of Chinese philosophical classics. --Scott Cook, Grinnell CollegeIn Ziporyn, the Zhuangzi has found a worthy translator who brings both philosophical and Sinological acumen to the book. . . . Readers encounter not only the primary text in a fluid, readable translation, but also may refer to selected commentaries on particular passages with ease. . . . His translation offers a splendid portal into the thought of one of the funniest philosophers of all time. --Jeffrey L. Richey, Berea CollegeWith judicious abridgement (sixteen full chapters, including all seven Inner chapters, plus selections from six more) and valuable added commentary, this book is a great choice for the undergraduate classroom. The translation often provides a fresh perspective to old problems, and the selection of commentary delivers a focus and accessibility that engages—and encourages us to re-engage—the considerable commentarial tradition. The translation is a delight. Ziporyn's lucid prose is often a marked improvement over his predecessors. . . . Footnotes are more plentiful than in the previous translations and are especially helpful with a text like the Zhuangzi. The selections from traditional commentaries are the most innovative feature of this translation, in keeping with Edward Slingerland's Analects and Bryan Van Norden's Mengzi translations (also from Hackett). Ziporyn provides extracts from forty-seven commentators that offer valuable contextualization as well as a variety of perspectives from which to approach the text. Overall Ziporyn's translation is smooth, clear and accurate, his notes are helpful, and his commentary selections bring new and welcome dimensions to the text as textbook and as an aid for scholarly research. --Paul Fischer, American University in Cairo, in Philosophy East & West

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Book SynopsisFeatures selected translations from the writings of Lu Xiangshan; Wang Yangming; and the Platform Sutra, a work which had profound influence on neo-Confucian thought. This book offers insights into the philosophical and stylistic themes of this branch of neo-Confucian thought.Trade ReviewFrom Tang Buddhism through the Confucianism of the next one thousand years, in various forms, one idea was central: insights that can inform a good life come not from learning but from a pure, 'original nature' shared by all people. Distinctive among works on Chinese thought, Ivanhoe's book identifies not only core teachings of three famous figures who worked with this idea, but also the style of the words and personal character traits by which they conveyed their views to disciples. It is based on high quality research, with helpful introductory and explanatory comments on the different works. The prose is crisp and clear. It is also a pleasure to read because, though Huineng, Lu Xiangshan, and Wang Yangming lived long ago, this work keeps those sages alive. In it, the reader feels their interaction not only with their fellow monks or with fellow neo-Confucians but also with Ivanhoe's audience today. --Donald J. Munro, University of MichiganPhilip J. Ivanhoe has provided a bravura set of selected translations that are scholarly and readable from the great Lu-Wang School of the neo-Confucian philosophical revival of the Song-Ming dynasties--and as a bonus he has also included a selection from the Platform Sutra of the Chan (Zen) Buddhist tradition. Ivanhoe makes lucidly clear the great debt that the Lu-Wang branch of neo-Confucianism owed to the Chan school. His introductions are models of concise explanation of why these great Chinese thinkers are as important today for global philosophy as when they lived and taught in Tang, Song, and Ming China. There is simply no better introduction to the Lu-Wang School than this judicious selection of diverse key philosophical and literary works of Huineng, Lu, and Wang. --John Berthrong, Boston UniversityReadings from the Lu-Wang School reflects a deep philosophical understanding of the two philosophers' views, and a comprehensive knowledge of the tradition of Chinese philosophy. The translated text is accompanied by helpful introductions to each philosopher and detailed scholarly notations. These, along with the elegant translation and representative selections of the text, make this book the authoritative edition of the Lu-Wang works in English. Ivanhoe's selections are more comprehensive than Chan's Source Book. . . . Chan's selection . . . amounts to scanty paragraphs or remarks out of context, while Ivanhoe places his selections in their original context by covering a major part of each piece. . . . In comparing Ivanhoe's Readings to the original Chinese texts, I was often struck by the ingenious choice of words that Ivanhoe makes. . . . He does not rigidly use the same word to translate the same Chinese character, since he understands that Chinese characters take on different meanings in different contexts. One of the best features of this book is the detailed notations, which sometimes give helpful background for a particular passage, sometimes cite the literary source of a particular phrase, and sometimes biographically sketch people referenced in the text. Such notations are indispensable for readers not thoroughly familiar with Chinese classics. Ivanhoe's Readings is a highly commendable translation of Lu Xiangshan's and Wang Yangming's works. It gives good coverage of their philosophical views and literary styles, and can be used as a reliable sourcebook for the Lu-Wang School. This book can be used for any course on Neo-Confucianism. --JeeLoo Liu, California State University at Fullerton, in Philosophy East & West

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Book SynopsisThis volume provides selected translations from the writings of Lu Xiangshan; Wang Yangming; and the Platform Sutra, a work which had profound influence on neo-Confucian thought. Each of these three sections is preceded by an introduction that sketches important features of the history, biography, and philosophy of the author and explores some of the main features and characteristics of his work. The range of genres represented--letters, recorded sayings, essays, meditations and poetry--provide the reader with insights into the philosophical and stylistic themes of this fascinating and influential branch of neo-Confucian thought.Trade ReviewFrom Tang Buddhism through the Confucianism of the next one thousand years, in various forms, one idea was central: insights that can inform a good life come not from learning but from a pure, 'original nature' shared by all people. Distinctive among works on Chinese thought, Ivanhoe's book identifies not only core teachings of three famous figures who worked with this idea, but also the style of the words and personal character traits by which they conveyed their views to disciples. It is based on high quality research, with helpful introductory and explanatory comments on the different works. The prose is crisp and clear. It is also a pleasure to read because, though Huineng, Lu Xiangshan, and Wang Yangming lived long ago, this work keeps those sages alive. In it, the reader feels their interaction not only with their fellow monks or with fellow neo-Confucians but also with Ivanhoe's audience today. --Donald J. Munro, University of MichiganPhilip J. Ivanhoe has provided a bravura set of selected translations that are scholarly and readable from the great Lu-Wang School of the neo-Confucian philosophical revival of the Song-Ming dynasties--and as a bonus he has also included a selection from the Platform Sutra of the Chan (Zen) Buddhist tradition. Ivanhoe makes lucidly clear the great debt that the Lu-Wang branch of neo-Confucianism owed to the Chan school. His introductions are models of concise explanation of why these great Chinese thinkers are as important today for global philosophy as when they lived and taught in Tang, Song, and Ming China. There is simply no better introduction to the Lu-Wang School than this judicious selection of diverse key philosophical and literary works of Huineng, Lu, and Wang. --John Berthrong, Boston UniversityReadings from the Lu-Wang School reflects a deep philosophical understanding of the two philosophers' views, and a comprehensive knowledge of the tradition of Chinese philosophy. The translated text is accompanied by helpful introductions to each philosopher and detailed scholarly notations. These, along with the elegant translation and representative selections of the text, make this book the authoritative edition of the Lu-Wang works in English. Ivanhoe's selections are more comprehensive than Chan's Source Book. . . . Chan's selection . . . amounts to scanty paragraphs or remarks out of context, while Ivanhoe places his selections in their original context by covering a major part of each piece. . . . In comparing Ivanhoe's Readings to the original Chinese texts, I was often struck by the ingenious choice of words that Ivanhoe makes. . . . He does not rigidly use the same word to translate the same Chinese character, since he understands that Chinese characters take on different meanings in different contexts. One of the best features of this book is the detailed notations, which sometimes give helpful background for a particular passage, sometimes cite the literary source of a particular phrase, and sometimes biographically sketch people referenced in the text. Such notations are indispensable for readers not thoroughly familiar with Chinese classics. Ivanhoe's Readings is a highly commendable translation of Lu Xiangshan's and Wang Yangming's works. It gives good coverage of their philosophical views and literary styles, and can be used as a reliable sourcebook for the Lu-Wang School. This book can be used for any course on Neo-Confucianism. --JeeLoo Liu, California State University at Fullerton, in Philosophy East & West

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Book SynopsisA translation of the "Mengzi (Mencius)" that provides some of the most frequently studied portions of the work along with relevant passages from the classic commentary of Zhu Xi - one of the most influential and insightful interpreters of Confucianism. It includes a glossary and bibliography.

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Book SynopsisA translation of the "Mengzi (Mencius)" that provides some of the most frequently studied portions of the work along with relevant passages from the classic commentary of Zhu Xi - one of the most influential and insightful interpreters of Confucianism. It includes a glossary and bibliography.

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Book SynopsisBob Cohen, a Peace Corps science teacher, seeks spiritual enlightenment in Mayapur, West Bengal in 1972. He finds a teacher in Srila Prabhupada who answers his questions in a bamboo hut, leading to transformative talks documented in Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers.

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Book SynopsisThis is the first one-volume guide in English, or indeed in Bengali, to the full spectrum of Tagore''s multi-faceted genius. It has two parts: (a) critical surveys of the chief sectors of his artistic output and its reception; (b) specialized studies of particular topics. The authors are among the leading Tagore experts from India and abroad. They have drawn upon all relevant material in Bengali, English, and other languages, including the entire body of untranslated Bengali works that comprise the greater part of Tagore''s oeuvre. They have also considered the historical and cultural context of his time. The book includes an index of all primary works cited, with full details of their complex history of transmission, and a reading list for Tagore studies in English. It will be an indispensable guide for all scholars, students and informed general readers, even those who can access Tagore in Bengali.Trade Review'What it does instead, with admirable efficiency and great scholarly application, is present to us, in almost 500 pages, an overview of, and reflection on, the different aspects of Tagore's career.' Rosinka Chaudhuri, Times Literary SupplementTable of ContentsList of Illustrations; Notes on Contributors; Preface; Note on Conventions and Practices; 1. Rabindranath Tagore: From Art to Life Sankha Ghosh; 2. A Garland of Many Tagores Anisuzzaman; Part I. Overviews: 3. Rabindranath and His Times Biswajit Ray; 4. Tagore's Poetry: An Overview Sukanta Chaudhuri; 5. 'Something of a Musician': Tagore's Songs Ashish Lahiri; 6. Rabindranath Tagore: Drama and Performance Ananda Lal; 7. Imagined Worlds: The Prose Fiction of Rabindranath Tagore Supriya Chaudhuri; 8. The English Writings: An Overview Fakrul Alam; 9. Tagore and Indian Literature: Influence and Presence Harish Trivedi; 10. Rabindranath Tagore and Literary Communication across Borders Subha Chakraborty Dasgupta; 11. Tagore and the Visual Arts R. Siva Kumar; Part II. Studies: 12. Women, Gender, and the Family in Tagore Himani Bannerji; 13. On the Seashore of Endless Worlds: Rabindranath and the Child Sibaji Bandyopadhyay; 14. Tagore's View of History Sabyasachi Bhattacharya; 15. Tagore's View of Politics and the Contemporary World Sobhanlal Datta Gupta; 16. Tagore's Santiniketan: Learning Associated with Life Kathleen M. O'Connell; 17. Tagore and Village Economy: A Vision of Wholeness Sourin Bhattacharya; 18. An Ecology of the Spirit: Rabindranath's Experience of Nature Aseem Shrivastava; 19. Rabindranath and Science Partha Ghose; 20. Rabindranath Tagore as Literary Critic Swapan Chakravorty; 21. Tagore's Aesthetics Jayanti Chattopadhyay; 22. Rabindranath, Bhakti, and the Bhakti Poets France Bhattacharya; 23. Tagore and the Idea of Emancipation Nirmalya Narayan Chakraborty; 24. Tagore's Thoughts on Religion Shefali Moitra; 25. Rabindranath Tagore and Humanism Saranindranath Tagore; List of Tagore's Works Cited: Bibliography-cum-index; Further Reading; Index of Other Keywords.

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Book SynopsisThis book philosophically introduces the basic truths, doctrines, and principles of Buddhism. Its goal is to explain the teachings of the Buddha and of Buddhism clearly and consistently. Though the book treads beyond the Buddha’s life, including into the Abhidharma and Mahayana traditions, it remains throughout a philosophical discussion and elaboration of the Buddha’s thought. It is meant to be an accessible guide for those who have no background in Buddhism, and to be beneficial to the philosophical understanding of those who do.Trade Review“Readers looking for a clear, concise, and accessible introduction to the basic tenets of Buddhism will find Panjvani’s book ideally suited to their needs. The book covers such quintessentially Buddhist notions as the Four Noble Truths, the No-Self view of personal identity, and the causal principle of Dependent Arising. One of the book’s main strengths is its systematic and meticulous use of examples drawn from both canonical and contemporary sources to illustrate the pragmatic aspects of Buddhist teachings. With just the right blend of doctrinal exposition and philosophical analysis, Buddhism: A Philosophical Approach offers general audiences a useful resource for engaging Buddhist ideas in a critical and effective way.” — Christian Coseru, College of Charleston“Buddhism: A Philosophical Approach is an excellent introduction to Buddhist philosophy. It includes a very lucid presentation not only of basic Buddhist teachings such as the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, but also of such challenging concepts as emptiness and dependent origination. The work focuses on a general overview of fundamental issues, but also explores in some depth the complexities involved in crucial questions such as the nature of desire and the critique of self-identity. I highly recommend this work for introductory courses in Buddhist and Asian philosophy.” — John P. Clark, Loyola University New OrleansTable of ContentsPrefaceI Indian ContextsGeneral Themes of the Indian Philosophical TraditionA Short Account of the Vedas and UpanishadsThe Philosophy of the UpanishadsThe Identity of Brahman and AtmanII The Legend and Life of the BuddhaIntroductionThe Early LifeThe Four SignsRenunciationIII Reading the Middle WaySteering the Middle CourseA Symbolic ReadingConcluding RemarksIV The First Noble Truth: Three Understandings of SufferingIntroductionPervasiveness and EliminabilityThe First UnderstandingThe Second UnderstandingThe Third UnderstandingThe Five AggregatesThe Buddha and David HumeConcluding RemarksV The Second Noble Truth: An Analysis of CravingIntroductionCraving and PermanenceCraving and Wanting — A Difference in KindThe Character of Craving — Qualitative ObservationsThe Character of Craving — Formal ObservationsCriticism of BahmSelf and SufferingVI The Third Noble Truth: Nirvana, the Cessation of SufferingIntroductionSamsaraUnderstanding and Describing NirvanaVII The Fourth Noble Truth: Walking the Noble Eightfold PathIntroductionThe Noble Eightfold PathMore on MindfulnessVIII The Doctrine of No SelfIntroductionThe Argument from the AggregatesA Lute, a Chariot and the Composite SelfThe Argument from Lack of ControlIX The Doctrine of ImpermanenceIntroductionArising and PassingOther Views of ChangeNumerical Identity and Qualitative IdentityAnnihilationism and EternalismConcluding RemarksX The Doctrine of Dependent OriginationIntroductionThe First Model: Physical CausationThe Second Model: Mental Causation without Universal CausationThe Third Model: Mental Causation with Universal CausationThe Importance of Universal CausationDependent Origination and Causal ContinuityXI Karma and Rebirth: Continuity, Not IdentityIntroductionKarma and MoralityKarma and RebirthContinuity of Self over Time, Not IdentityXII The Concept of Dharmas in the AbhidharmaThe Abhidharma, the Dharma, and DharmasDharmas and AtomsDharmas as Ultimate RealityDharmas and MindfulnessWhat Is the Duration of a Dharma?XIII The Concept of Emptiness in Mahayana BuddhismIntroduction to Mahayana BuddhismThe Perfection of Wisdom and EmptinessEmptiness and Dependent OriginationEmptiness and Non-DualityEmptiness and EnlightenmentXIV Compassion and Skillfulness in Mahayana BuddhismIntroductionThe BodhisattvaThe Bodhisattva RenouncesCompassion and SufferingGenuine CompassionSkillful Means, the Arhat and the BodhisattvaAn Emphasis on Practice over BeliefXV The Parable of the Burning House — A Closing DiscussionGlossary of Select Sanskrit, Pali and PhilosophicalTermsBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisThis book guides readers through ten classic works of Asian philosophy. Several major schools of Eastern thought are discussed, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism/Taoism, and Chan/Zen. The author connects the ideas of these schools to those of Western philosophy, thereby making the material accessible to people who are unfamiliar with the cultures and intellectual traditions of Asia. A wide range of important topics are addressed: reality, time, self, knowledge, ethics, human nature, enlightenment, and death.Trade Review“I highly recommend this work as an excellent guide to Asian philosophy and to these specific texts for both students and their professors as well as for anyone who wants a clearer understanding of these thinkers.” — Karsten J. Struhl, APA Newsletter on Teaching Philosophy“In A Guide to Asian Philosophy Classics, Puqun Li provides the student of Asian philosophy with a hugely intelligent companion volume that will inform a close reading of ten of Asia’s foundational texts. Drawing upon the best contemporary scholarly literature and competing translations, Li unfolds widely divergent visions of the consummate human experience that can be achieved through a process of self-initiated personal cultivation. It is hard to conceive of how more of the world’s wisdom could be responsibly engaged in one small book.” — Roger T. Ames, University of Hawai’i“This is a highly readable, issue-oriented guidebook to ten representative classics in Asian philosophy. The book gives beginners a clear, articulate, and thought-stimulating explanation of how to capture the basic ideas of these classics in a reflectively engaging way. It will inspire readers to pursue Asian philosophy in greater breadth and depth.” — Bo Mou, San José State UniversityTable of ContentsAcknowledgementsPrefaceChapter 1: The UpanishadsChapter 2: The DhammapadaChapter 3: The Mulamadhyamakakarika(The Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way)Chapter 4: The AnalectsChapter 5: The MengziChapter 6: The DaodejingChapter 7: The ZhuangziChapter 8: The XunziChapter 9: The Platform SutraChapter 10: The ShobogenzoConclusion: How to Live a Human LifeAppendix 1: Selected (Non-Ranked) Journals on Asian PhilosophyAppendix 2: Selected (Non-Ranked) Graduate Programs in Chinese PhilosophyAppendix 3: Useful WebsitesAppendix 4: A Very Simplified Note on Pinyin PronunciationGlossary of Key TermsIndex

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Book SynopsisStep-by-step lessons in building the skills needed to engage in Tibetan Buddhist philosophical debate and that have proved successful in the college classroom.     Debate is the investigative technique used in Tibetan education to sharpen analytical capacities and convey philosophical concepts. Reading and memorization are not enough; students must be able to verbalize their understanding and defend it under the pressure of fierce cross-examination. This book, based on the author''s successful undergraduate course in the subject, trains readers to develop the analytical skills used in Tibetan-style debate. Making use of sample debate exchanges and definitions and classification systems drawn from Tibetan Buddhist debate manuals, the book shows how to challenge and defend assertions made in the course of debate.

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Book Synopsis"P. J. Ivanhoe is one of the English-speaking world’s foremost translators and interpreters of classical Chinese philosophical texts. His translation of the Sunzi Bingfa reads beautifully, adorned only by sobering photographic plates of the famed terracotta army of the first Qin emperor that turn one back to the text in a properly reflective mood. The Introduction and endnotes are blessedly spare, providing just the right amount of interpretive scholarship to assist comprehension of the text, while not interfering with its intrinsic simplicity, clarity, and profundity." —Sumner B. Twiss, Distinguished Professor of Human Rights, Ethics, and Religion, Florida State UniversityTrade Review"Philip J. Ivanhoe’s translation of Sun Tzu's Art of War will be warmly embraced by students. His discussion in the Introduction about the text’s dating and authorship, as well as Chinese attitudes towards things military, is concise, informative, and up-to-date. The translation itself is a marvel—its language is simple and direct, making it immensely readable and clear." —Keith Knapp, is Westvaco Professor of National Security Studies, Department of History, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina

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Book SynopsisThis book is an introduction in the very best sense of the word. It provides the beginner with an accurate, sophisticated, yet accessible account, and offers new insights and challenging perspectives to those who have more specialized knowledge. Focusing on the period in Chinese philosophy that is surely most easily approachable and perhaps is most important, it ranges over of rich set of competing options. It also, with admirable self-consciousness, presents a number of daring attempts to relate those options to philosophical figures and movements from the West. I recommend it very highly.--Lee H. Yearley, Walter Y. Evans-Wentz Professor, Religious Studies, Stanford UniversityTrade ReviewThis lucid introduction to early Chinese thought offers historical, textual and conceptual analyses of the schools of Classical Chinese philosophy, illuminating their basic themes, theories, and arguments and providing readers with an intellectual bridge between Chinese and Western thought. Introductory texts such as this are especially needed today, as the study of philosophy faces the challenges of globalization and the urgent need for dialogue among different philosophical traditions. An ideal text for introductory courses, this book will also inspire graduate students, scholars and experts in philosophy in general, and Chinese Philosophy in particular, with its theoretical insights and comparative methodology. --Vincent Shen, Lee Chair in Chinese Thought and Culture, Departments of Philosophy and East Asian Studies, University of TorontoA substantial and highly accessible introduction to the indigenous philosophies of China. Van Norden shares his clear distillations of classical Chinese philosophies using conceptual frameworks many will find familiar. This reader-friendly book sets the historical and cultural contexts for the philosophies discussed, and includes appendices, study questions, and imaginative scenarios, which aid us in appreciating some of the most important philosophy ever developed. --Ann Pirruccello, Professor of Philosophy, University of San Diego

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Book SynopsisIn this rare firsthand account of an individual's pursuit of sagehood, the early Ming dynasty scholar and teacher Wu Yubi chronicles his progress and his setbacks, as he strives to integrate the Neo-Confucian practices of self-examination and self-cultivation into everyday life. In more than three hundred entries, spanning much of his adult life, Wu paints a vivid picture, not only of the life of the mind, but also of the life of a teacher of modest means, struggling to make ends meet in a rural community.This volume features M. Theresa Kelleher's superb translation of Wu's journal, along with translations of more than a dozen letters from his personal correspondence. A general Introduction discusses Neo-Confucianism and the Ming dynasty, and includes biographical information that puts the main work in context. A substantial commentary on the journal discusses the obstacles and supports Wu encounters in pursuit of his goal, the conflict between discipline and restraint of the self and the nurturing and expanding of the self, Wu's successes and failures, and Wu’s role as a teacher.Also included are a map of the Ming dynasty, a pronunciation guide, a chronology of Chinese dynasties, a glossary of names, a glossary of book titles, and suggestions for further reading.Trade ReviewWu Yubi undertook his intense inward turn toward self-perfection and sagehood in a political atmosphere of severe intellectual repression when it had become impossible for any thinker to venture outside the state-sanctioned Neo-Confucian orthodoxy. Wu found that the orthodoxy itself could be taken to furnish effective guidelines to making oneself a better person. His diary shows how demanding, frustrating, and unending such a quest might turn out to be. . . . Kelleher has beautifully accomplished the demanding job of addressing the needs of specialists, students and general readers. She has placed Wu Yubi in historical and cultural context and has made him humanly accessible. --John Dardess, University of Kansas

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Book SynopsisIn this rare firsthand account of an individual's pursuit of sagehood, the early Ming dynasty scholar and teacher Wu Yubi chronicles his progress and his setbacks, as he strives to integrate the Neo-Confucian practices of self-examination and self-cultivation into everyday life. In more than three hundred entries, spanning much of his adult life, Wu paints a vivid picture, not only of the life of the mind, but also of the life of a teacher of modest means, struggling to make ends meet in a rural community.This volume features M. Theresa Kelleher's superb translation of Wu's journal, along with translations of more than a dozen letters from his personal correspondence. A general Introduction discusses Neo-Confucianism and the Ming dynasty, and includes biographical information that puts the main work in context. A substantial commentary on the journal discusses the obstacles and supports Wu encounters in pursuit of his goal, the conflict between discipline and restraint of the self and the nurturing and expanding of the self, Wu's successes and failures, and Wu’s role as a teacher.Also included are a map of the Ming dynasty, a pronunciation guide, a chronology of Chinese dynasties, a glossary of names, a glossary of book titles, and suggestions for further reading.Trade ReviewWu Yubi undertook his intense inward turn toward self-perfection and sagehood in a political atmosphere of severe intellectual repression when it had become impossible for any thinker to venture outside the state-sanctioned Neo-Confucian orthodoxy. Wu found that the orthodoxy itself could be taken to furnish effective guidelines to making oneself a better person. His diary shows how demanding, frustrating, and unending such a quest might turn out to be. . . . Kelleher has beautifully accomplished the demanding job of addressing the needs of specialists, students and general readers. She has placed Wu Yubi in historical and cultural context and has made him humanly accessible. --John Dardess, University of Kansas

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Book SynopsisAn exceptional contribution to the teaching and study of Chinese thought, this anthology provides fifty-eight selections arranged chronologically in five main sections: Han Thought, Chinese Buddhism, Neo-Confucianism, Late Imperial Confucianism, and the Twentieth Century. The editors have selected writings that have been influential, that are philosophically engaging, and that can be understood as elements of an ongoing dialogue, particularly on issues regarding ethical cultivation, human nature, virtue, government, and the underlying structure of the universe. Within those topics, issues of contemporary interest, such as Chinese ideas about gender and the experiences of women, are brought to light. Introductions to each main section provide an overview of the period, while brief headnotes to selections highlight key points. The translations are the works of many distinguished scholars, and were chosen for their accuracy and accessibility, especially for students, general readers, and scholars who do not read Chinese. Special effort has been made to maintain consistency of key terms across translations. Also included are a glossary, bibliography, index of names, and an index locorum of The Four Books.

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Book SynopsisThe work of three present-day Sankritist-philosophers, God and the World's Arrangement allows readers to engage directly with writings of the classical Indian philosophers Śaṅkara and Vācaspati, as well as some of their most acute critics, on the question of whether the existence of a creator God can be known by reason alone. Carefully selected and annotated with the needs of students foremost in mind, these new translations will be of interest to anyone wishing to see up close a newly set gem of our philosophical inheritance from global antiquity.Trade Review"Students and scholars should welcome this outstanding translation and commentary. Offering core passages of Nyāya and Vedānta in accessible English will expand the horizon of contemporary philosophy of religion and make more evident the often-overlooked elements of natural theology in non-Western philosophy." —Charles Taliaferro, Overby Distinguished Chair, St. Olaf College"Philosophers are waking up to the fact that the philosophy of religion includes more than Christian theology. Guha, Dasti, and Phillips have given us an invaluable resource for globalizing our teaching of the philosophy of religion, and for teaching Indian philosophy. But they have done more than that. This beautiful volume provides a model for the translation of Indian philosophical texts, and for presenting them to a Western audience. Sūtras and commentaries are translated into clear, accessible contemporary philosophical English with no clutter, and without any sacrifice of philological precision. The essays that contextualize the texts are both learned and readable, and substantially enhance the texts themselves, whether the reader is a professional philosopher or a student." —Jay L. Garfield, Doris Silbert Professor in the Humanities and Professor of Philosophy, Logic and Buddhist Studies, Smith College"Building on a long tradition of textual study, an increasing number of universities today demonstrate interest in Asian perspectives on philosophy, religion, theology, politics, and other disciplines—even for general education. This book offers a welcome and a needed addition to teachers and students that want to learn about Asia through a careful reading of primary source material. It covers some broad topics recognizable in the philosophy of religion, and it gives precision through the presentation of specific texts from the Indian tradition. This book offers a clear picture into the scholastic and commentarial writing from two monuments in the Indian tradition, Shakara and Vacaspati. The discussion around the primary source material offers helpful contextualization, and the primary readings introduce students to a complex and a detailed world of philosophy, theology, and the unique modes of commentarial writing in Shankara, Vacaspati, and related theologians, philosophers, and root texts of their time." —Jonathan Edelmann, Department of Religion, University of Florida "The scarcity of accessible English translations of Sanskrit texts that retain the philosophical rigor of the original has been a great challenge in Indian philosophy. . . . This book sets an example of how traditional Indian ways of establishing one’s argument through exegesis could be explained in simple language. A valuable read to students of Indian philosophy."—Swami Narasimhananda, Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, in Philosophy East and West

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Book SynopsisThe work of three present-day Sankritist-philosophers, God and the World's Arrangement allows readers to engage directly with writings of the classical Indian philosophers Śaṅkara and Vācaspati, as well as some of their most acute critics, on the question of whether the existence of a creator God can be known by reason alone. Carefully selected and annotated with the needs of students foremost in mind, these new translations will be of interest to anyone wishing to see up close a newly set gem of our philosophical inheritance from global antiquity.Trade Review"Students and scholars should welcome this outstanding translation and commentary. Offering core passages of Nyāya and Vedānta in accessible English will expand the horizon of contemporary philosophy of religion and make more evident the often-overlooked elements of natural theology in non-Western philosophy." —Charles Taliaferro, Overby Distinguished Chair, St. Olaf College"Philosophers are waking up to the fact that the philosophy of religion includes more than Christian theology. Guha, Dasti, and Phillips have given us an invaluable resource for globalizing our teaching of the philosophy of religion, and for teaching Indian philosophy. But they have done more than that. This beautiful volume provides a model for the translation of Indian philosophical texts, and for presenting them to a Western audience. Sūtras and commentaries are translated into clear, accessible contemporary philosophical English with no clutter, and without any sacrifice of philological precision. The essays that contextualize the texts are both learned and readable, and substantially enhance the texts themselves, whether the reader is a professional philosopher or a student." —Jay L. Garfield, Doris Silbert Professor in the Humanities and Professor of Philosophy, Logic and Buddhist Studies, Smith College"Building on a long tradition of textual study, an increasing number of universities today demonstrate interest in Asian perspectives on philosophy, religion, theology, politics, and other disciplines—even for general education. This book offers a welcome and a needed addition to teachers and students that want to learn about Asia through a careful reading of primary source material. It covers some broad topics recognizable in the philosophy of religion, and it gives precision through the presentation of specific texts from the Indian tradition. This book offers a clear picture into the scholastic and commentarial writing from two monuments in the Indian tradition, Shakara and Vacaspati. The discussion around the primary source material offers helpful contextualization, and the primary readings introduce students to a complex and a detailed world of philosophy, theology, and the unique modes of commentarial writing in Shankara, Vacaspati, and related theologians, philosophers, and root texts of their time." —Jonathan Edelmann, Department of Religion, University of Florida

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Book SynopsisA shorter and less technical treatment of its subject than the author’s acclaimed Buddhism As Philosophy (second edition, Hackett, 2021), Mark Siderits's The Buddha’s Teachings As Philosophy explores three different systems of thought that arose from core claims of the Buddha. By detailing and critically examining key arguments made by the Buddha and developed by later Buddhist philosophers, Siderits investigates the Buddha's teachings as philosophy: a set of claims—in this case, claims about the nature of the world and our place in it—supported by rational argumentation and, here, developed with a variety of systematic results. The Buddha’s Teachings As Philosophy will be especially useful to students of philosophy, religious studies, and comparative religion—to anyone, in fact, encountering Buddhist philosophy for the first time.Trade Review"The philosopher Vasubandhu described the Buddha's teaching as an immaculate path of reasons. There are few who know every twist and turn of this path as well as Mark Siderits, and this book is the perfect guide for those starting out on their way."—Sonam Kachru, University of Virginia"This intriguing yet accessible text critically examines Buddhist perspectives on central issues in metaphysics, ethics, and soteriology. It is an excellent choice for classes on Buddhist philosophy, non-Western philosophy, philosophy of religion, and introductions to philosophy."—Kris McDaniel, University of Notre Dame

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