Description
Book SynopsisThe Psycho-Ethical Aspects of Abhidhamma brings the essence of Buddhist psychology, called Abhidhamma, to the Western world using the related portions of the Pali Buddhist literature. Rina Sircar utilizes parables, stories, and concepts that are current to Western thought to emphasize and clarify the understanding of the value and efficacy of the Buddha''s teaching as an introduction to those interested in Abhidhamma. He presents concepts related to the main ideas of Western psychology, such as personality, which relates closely to the Buddhist definition of ''self.'' Buddhism calls any static, unchanging definition of self an illusion and deception that leads to fear and pain. Rather, the self is understood as mentality and materiality that can be validated through the meditation practice on the thirty-two parts of the body that can lead to a direct experience of the self and can even heal illnesses. The author describes how this spiritual process leads to the understanding of ''Who am I?'' and ''What am I?'' Its goal is to perfect the constantly changing person into the ''arahat,'' as the wheel of existence turns into the wheel of truth, by following a path of purification and deliverance.
Trade Review...this book is a good volume for Westerners interested in learning more about this part of Buddhist canon. * Tricycle: The Buddist Review *
...this book is a good volume for Westerners interested in learning more about this part of Buddhist canon. * Tricycle: The Buddist Review *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 Preface Chapter 3 Acknowledgments Chapter 4 Introduction Chapter 5 The Major Features of Abhidhamma and Their Benefits in Daily Life Chapter 6 Abhidhamma: Comparisons and contributions to Modern Psychology Chapter 7 Personality in Abhidhamma Chapter 8 Causation and Co-relation Chapter 9 Clarification of the Buddha's Psycho-Ethical Attitude Chapter 10 The Process of Thought in Early Buddhist Schools Chapter 11 The Process of Thought in Later Buddhist Schools Chapter 12 A Comparison of Early and Later Schools of Buddhist Thought and Western Psychology Chapter 13 Summary and Conclusions Chapter 14 Appendix: Practical Abhidhamma Chapter 15 End Notes Chapter 16 Glossary of Pali Terms Chapter 17 Selected Bibliography Chapter 18 About the Author
