Description
Book SynopsisThis lively introduction offers a complete overview of the main Asian religions, their traditions and contemporary relevance, and how they are lived and practiced today. It provides readers with an all-embracing introduction to Asian religions, covering each of the main traditions in a style that is lively and distinctive.
Table of ContentsList of Figures vii
Preface ix
Part I Introductory Material 1
1 Religion 3
2 Language 11
Part II The Confucian Tradition 19
3 Defining “Religion”: The Confucian Response 21
4 The Religious Dimensions of Confucianism 28
5 The Self as a Center of Relationships 36
6 Learning to Be Human 44
7 The Lasting Influence of Confucianism in Modern East Asia 51
Part III The Taoist Tradition 59
8 What Is Taoism? 61
9 Philosophical Taoism 68
10 Temporal Dimensions of Yin–Yang Cosmology 76
11 Spatial Dimensions of Yin–Yang Cosmology 82
12 Personal Dimensions of Yin–Yang Cosmology 90
13 Taoism as a Global Religious Phenomenon 96
Part IV The Hindu Tradition 103
14 What Is Hinduism? 105
15 Karma-marga 111
16 Jnāna-marga 117
17 Bhakti-marga 123
18 Hinduism in the Modern World 133
Part V The Theravāda Buddhist Tradition 139
19 Buddhism and the Buddha 141
20 Suffering and Its Causes 149
21 Buddhist Ethics 156
22 The Fruits of Meditation 164
23 Monastic Practice 171
Part VI The Mahāyāna Buddhist Tradition 179
24 Faith 181
25 Principles of Zen Buddhism 189
26 Buddhism as a Global Religion 199
Part VII Japanese Religions 207
27 Japanese Religion and Culture 209
28 Shrine Shintō: Dimensions of Sacred Time and Space in Japan 218
29 Dimensions of Religion in Modern Japan 227
Part VIII Conclusions 237
30 “Religion” and the Religions 239
Appendix: Suggestions for Further Reading 246
Glossary 255
Index 260
