Karma and the Rise of Buddhism in the West

Karma and the Rise of Buddhism in the West

Author: Philip H. Richman

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 0557555272

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In this book I address the need for a critical treatment of karma for practitioners of Buddhism in the West. I discuss the basic meaning of karma and its relevance to western Buddhism. Emphasis is on the impact of the scientific world-view, interest in meditation and attitudes towards reincarnation. A generalized approach provides analysis and constructive terminology for thinking about karma and reincarnation. Terms such as karmic awareness and karmic significance point to an epistemology of karma. "Karmic analysis" extends the meaning of karma to art, history and literature. Karma is shown to be implicit in all cultures.Topics include the significance of death, the nature of action, sin, salvation and blame. Karmic cause and effect is contrasted with scientific causality. A distinction is drawn between the contemplative life and thinking about karma mainly in terms of a set of propositions to be proven as true or false.


Book Synopsis Karma and the Rise of Buddhism in the West by : Philip H. Richman

Download or read book Karma and the Rise of Buddhism in the West written by Philip H. Richman and published by Lulu.com. This book was released on 2010 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this book I address the need for a critical treatment of karma for practitioners of Buddhism in the West. I discuss the basic meaning of karma and its relevance to western Buddhism. Emphasis is on the impact of the scientific world-view, interest in meditation and attitudes towards reincarnation. A generalized approach provides analysis and constructive terminology for thinking about karma and reincarnation. Terms such as karmic awareness and karmic significance point to an epistemology of karma. "Karmic analysis" extends the meaning of karma to art, history and literature. Karma is shown to be implicit in all cultures.Topics include the significance of death, the nature of action, sin, salvation and blame. Karmic cause and effect is contrasted with scientific causality. A distinction is drawn between the contemplative life and thinking about karma mainly in terms of a set of propositions to be proven as true or false.


Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction

Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction

Author: Damien Keown

Publisher: Oxford Paperbacks

Published: 1996-10-03

Total Pages: 180

ISBN-13: 0191606448

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This Very Short Introduction introduces the reader to the teachings of the Buddha and to the integration of Buddhism into daily life. What are the distinctive features of Buddhism? Who was the Buddha, and what are his teachings? How has Buddhist thought developed over the centuries, and how can contemporary dilemmas be faced from a Buddhist perspective? Words such as 'karma' and 'nirvana' have entered our vocabulary, but what do they mean? Damien Keown's book provides a lively, informative response to these frequently asked questions about Buddhism.


Book Synopsis Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction by : Damien Keown

Download or read book Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction written by Damien Keown and published by Oxford Paperbacks. This book was released on 1996-10-03 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This Very Short Introduction introduces the reader to the teachings of the Buddha and to the integration of Buddhism into daily life. What are the distinctive features of Buddhism? Who was the Buddha, and what are his teachings? How has Buddhist thought developed over the centuries, and how can contemporary dilemmas be faced from a Buddhist perspective? Words such as 'karma' and 'nirvana' have entered our vocabulary, but what do they mean? Damien Keown's book provides a lively, informative response to these frequently asked questions about Buddhism.


The New Buddhism

The New Buddhism

Author: James William Coleman

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2002-05-16

Total Pages: 276

ISBN-13: 9780195152418

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This text outlines the development and spread of ancient Buddhism. It describes its journey west and its evolution here, sketching the lives and teachings of some of Western Buddhism's most important figures.


Book Synopsis The New Buddhism by : James William Coleman

Download or read book The New Buddhism written by James William Coleman and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2002-05-16 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This text outlines the development and spread of ancient Buddhism. It describes its journey west and its evolution here, sketching the lives and teachings of some of Western Buddhism's most important figures.


Westward Dharma

Westward Dharma

Author: Charles S. Prebish

Publisher: Univ of California Press

Published: 2002-12-04

Total Pages: 439

ISBN-13: 0520936582

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The first authoritative volume on the totality of Buddhism in the West, Westward Dharma establishes a comparative and theoretical perspective for considering the amazing variety of Buddhist traditions, schools, centers, and teachers that have developed outside of Asia. Leading scholars from North America, Europe, South Africa, and Australia explore the plurality and heterogeneity of traditions and practices that are characteristic of Buddhism in the West. This recent, dramatic growth in Western Buddhism is accompanied by an expansion of topics and issues of Buddhist concern. The contributors to this volume treat such topics as the broadening spirit of egalitarianism; the increasing emphasis on the psychological, as opposed to the purely religious, nature of practice; scandals within Buddhist movements; the erosion of the distinction between professional and lay Buddhists; Buddhist settlement in Israel; the history of Buddhism in internment camps; repackaging Zen for the West; and women's dharma in the West. The interconnections of historical and theoretical approaches in the volume make it a rich, multi-layered resource.


Book Synopsis Westward Dharma by : Charles S. Prebish

Download or read book Westward Dharma written by Charles S. Prebish and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 2002-12-04 with total page 439 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first authoritative volume on the totality of Buddhism in the West, Westward Dharma establishes a comparative and theoretical perspective for considering the amazing variety of Buddhist traditions, schools, centers, and teachers that have developed outside of Asia. Leading scholars from North America, Europe, South Africa, and Australia explore the plurality and heterogeneity of traditions and practices that are characteristic of Buddhism in the West. This recent, dramatic growth in Western Buddhism is accompanied by an expansion of topics and issues of Buddhist concern. The contributors to this volume treat such topics as the broadening spirit of egalitarianism; the increasing emphasis on the psychological, as opposed to the purely religious, nature of practice; scandals within Buddhist movements; the erosion of the distinction between professional and lay Buddhists; Buddhist settlement in Israel; the history of Buddhism in internment camps; repackaging Zen for the West; and women's dharma in the West. The interconnections of historical and theoretical approaches in the volume make it a rich, multi-layered resource.


Exploring Buddhism

Exploring Buddhism

Author: Christmas Humphreys

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2012-11-12

Total Pages: 188

ISBN-13: 1136228772

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The Buddhist field of knowledge is now so vast that few can master all of it, and the study and application of its principles must be a matter of choice. One may choose the magnificent moral philosophy of Theravada, the oldest school, or the Zen training of Japan; or special themes such as the doctrine of No-self, the Mahayana emphasis on compassion or the universal law of Karma and Rebirth. But the intense self-discipline needed for true spiritual experience calls for specialization of subject and technique. In this reissue, first published in 1974, Christmas Humphreys takes us on a personal journey through Buddhism, offering insights into the many different paths, doctrines and approaches to Buddhism. This collection of twenty essays ranges from history to doctrine, and from the rise of Buddhism in the West through to the finer points of its everyday practice. It is a truly valuable piece of Western Buddhist literature and its reissue will be welcomed be scholars of Buddhism and interested laypeople alike.


Book Synopsis Exploring Buddhism by : Christmas Humphreys

Download or read book Exploring Buddhism written by Christmas Humphreys and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012-11-12 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Buddhist field of knowledge is now so vast that few can master all of it, and the study and application of its principles must be a matter of choice. One may choose the magnificent moral philosophy of Theravada, the oldest school, or the Zen training of Japan; or special themes such as the doctrine of No-self, the Mahayana emphasis on compassion or the universal law of Karma and Rebirth. But the intense self-discipline needed for true spiritual experience calls for specialization of subject and technique. In this reissue, first published in 1974, Christmas Humphreys takes us on a personal journey through Buddhism, offering insights into the many different paths, doctrines and approaches to Buddhism. This collection of twenty essays ranges from history to doctrine, and from the rise of Buddhism in the West through to the finer points of its everyday practice. It is a truly valuable piece of Western Buddhist literature and its reissue will be welcomed be scholars of Buddhism and interested laypeople alike.


The Monk and the Philosopher

The Monk and the Philosopher

Author: Jean Francois Revel

Publisher: Schocken

Published: 2011-03-16

Total Pages: 384

ISBN-13: 030778701X

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Jean Francois-Revel, a pillar of French intellectual life in our time, became world famous for his challenges to both Communism and Christianity. Twenty-seven years ago, his son, Matthieu Ricard, gave up a promising career as a scientist to study Tibetan Buddhism -- not as a detached observer but by immersing himself in its practice under the guidance of its greatest living masters. Meeting in an inn overlooking Katmandu, these two profoundly thoughtful men explored the questions that have occupied humankind throughout its history. Does life have meaning? What is consciousness? Is man free? What is the value of scientific and material progress? Why is there suffering, war, and hatred? Their conversation is not merely abstract: they ask each other questions about ethics, rights, and responsibilities, about knowledge and belief, and they discuss frankly the differences in the way each has tried to make sense of his life. Utterly absorbing, inspiring, and accessible, this remarkable dialogue engages East with West, ideas with life, and science with the humanities, providing wisdom on how to enrich the way we live our lives.


Book Synopsis The Monk and the Philosopher by : Jean Francois Revel

Download or read book The Monk and the Philosopher written by Jean Francois Revel and published by Schocken. This book was released on 2011-03-16 with total page 384 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Jean Francois-Revel, a pillar of French intellectual life in our time, became world famous for his challenges to both Communism and Christianity. Twenty-seven years ago, his son, Matthieu Ricard, gave up a promising career as a scientist to study Tibetan Buddhism -- not as a detached observer but by immersing himself in its practice under the guidance of its greatest living masters. Meeting in an inn overlooking Katmandu, these two profoundly thoughtful men explored the questions that have occupied humankind throughout its history. Does life have meaning? What is consciousness? Is man free? What is the value of scientific and material progress? Why is there suffering, war, and hatred? Their conversation is not merely abstract: they ask each other questions about ethics, rights, and responsibilities, about knowledge and belief, and they discuss frankly the differences in the way each has tried to make sense of his life. Utterly absorbing, inspiring, and accessible, this remarkable dialogue engages East with West, ideas with life, and science with the humanities, providing wisdom on how to enrich the way we live our lives.


Religions of the World: the History of Buddhism

Religions of the World: the History of Buddhism

Author: Charles River Charles River Editors

Publisher:

Published: 2013-09-09

Total Pages: 40

ISBN-13: 9781492369615

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*Explains how Buddhism spread from the time of the Buddha to the present day. *Explains the Buddha's life and the different teachings of different Buddhist sects. *Includes pictures depicting the Buddha and other important people, places, and events. *Includes Book 1 of the Hymns of the Sama Veda A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history's most influential figures, but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? Throughout time, people have been religious by nature, and billions today adhere to unique faiths across the world. In Charles River Editors' Religions of the World, readers can get caught up to speed on today's religions and yesterday's religions in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known. In the West, Buddhism is a religion that everyone has heard of but one that few truly understand aside from Buddhists themselves. For almost 2,500 years, Buddhism has been dominant on the Indian subcontinent, based on the traditions, beliefs, and practices that came about from the teachings of the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), the Sansrkit word for "the awakened one." Today, three distinct branches of Buddhism have mostly fanned out across Asia, and it's believed that upwards of half a billion people practice Buddhism today, and some of the traditional practices and principles of the religion, including the concepts of karma, reincarnation and the practice of yoga are all commonplace ideas across the world. Who was the Buddha, how did Buddhism become one of the world's major religions, and what are the main concepts and teachings of the religion? Religions of the World: The History of Buddhism examines the history and main tenets of Buddhism, explaining the way the religion has evolved over time, the similarities it shares with other religions and the differences that make it unique. Along with pictures of important figures and places, you will learn about Buddhism like you never have before, in no time at all.


Book Synopsis Religions of the World: the History of Buddhism by : Charles River Charles River Editors

Download or read book Religions of the World: the History of Buddhism written by Charles River Charles River Editors and published by . This book was released on 2013-09-09 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Explains how Buddhism spread from the time of the Buddha to the present day. *Explains the Buddha's life and the different teachings of different Buddhist sects. *Includes pictures depicting the Buddha and other important people, places, and events. *Includes Book 1 of the Hymns of the Sama Veda A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history's most influential figures, but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? Throughout time, people have been religious by nature, and billions today adhere to unique faiths across the world. In Charles River Editors' Religions of the World, readers can get caught up to speed on today's religions and yesterday's religions in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known. In the West, Buddhism is a religion that everyone has heard of but one that few truly understand aside from Buddhists themselves. For almost 2,500 years, Buddhism has been dominant on the Indian subcontinent, based on the traditions, beliefs, and practices that came about from the teachings of the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), the Sansrkit word for "the awakened one." Today, three distinct branches of Buddhism have mostly fanned out across Asia, and it's believed that upwards of half a billion people practice Buddhism today, and some of the traditional practices and principles of the religion, including the concepts of karma, reincarnation and the practice of yoga are all commonplace ideas across the world. Who was the Buddha, how did Buddhism become one of the world's major religions, and what are the main concepts and teachings of the religion? Religions of the World: The History of Buddhism examines the history and main tenets of Buddhism, explaining the way the religion has evolved over time, the similarities it shares with other religions and the differences that make it unique. Along with pictures of important figures and places, you will learn about Buddhism like you never have before, in no time at all.


Religions of the World

Religions of the World

Author: Charles River Charles River Editors

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2018-01-19

Total Pages: 80

ISBN-13: 9781984014832

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*Explains how Buddhism spread from the time of the Buddha to the present day. *Explains the Buddha's life and the different teachings of different Buddhist sects. *Includes pictures depicting the Buddha and other important people, places, and events. *Includes Book 1 of the Hymns of the Sama Veda A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history's most influential figures, but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? Throughout time, people have been religious by nature, and billions today adhere to unique faiths across the world. In Charles River Editors' Religions of the World, readers can get caught up to speed on today's religions and yesterday's religions in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known. In the West, Buddhism is a religion that everyone has heard of but one that few truly understand aside from Buddhists themselves. For almost 2,500 years, Buddhism has been dominant on the Indian subcontinent, based on the traditions, beliefs, and practices that came about from the teachings of the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), the Sansrkit word for "the awakened one." Today, three distinct branches of Buddhism have mostly fanned out across Asia, and it's believed that upwards of half a billion people practice Buddhism today, and some of the traditional practices and principles of the religion, including the concepts of karma, reincarnation and the practice of yoga are all commonplace ideas across the world. Who was the Buddha, how did Buddhism become one of the world's major religions, and what are the main concepts and teachings of the religion? Religions of the World: The History of Buddhism examines the history and main tenets of Buddhism, explaining the way the religion has evolved over time, the similarities it shares with other religions and the differences that make it unique. Along with pictures of important figures and places, you will learn about Buddhism like you never have before, in no time at all.


Book Synopsis Religions of the World by : Charles River Charles River Editors

Download or read book Religions of the World written by Charles River Charles River Editors and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2018-01-19 with total page 80 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Explains how Buddhism spread from the time of the Buddha to the present day. *Explains the Buddha's life and the different teachings of different Buddhist sects. *Includes pictures depicting the Buddha and other important people, places, and events. *Includes Book 1 of the Hymns of the Sama Veda A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history's most influential figures, but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? Throughout time, people have been religious by nature, and billions today adhere to unique faiths across the world. In Charles River Editors' Religions of the World, readers can get caught up to speed on today's religions and yesterday's religions in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known. In the West, Buddhism is a religion that everyone has heard of but one that few truly understand aside from Buddhists themselves. For almost 2,500 years, Buddhism has been dominant on the Indian subcontinent, based on the traditions, beliefs, and practices that came about from the teachings of the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), the Sansrkit word for "the awakened one." Today, three distinct branches of Buddhism have mostly fanned out across Asia, and it's believed that upwards of half a billion people practice Buddhism today, and some of the traditional practices and principles of the religion, including the concepts of karma, reincarnation and the practice of yoga are all commonplace ideas across the world. Who was the Buddha, how did Buddhism become one of the world's major religions, and what are the main concepts and teachings of the religion? Religions of the World: The History of Buddhism examines the history and main tenets of Buddhism, explaining the way the religion has evolved over time, the similarities it shares with other religions and the differences that make it unique. Along with pictures of important figures and places, you will learn about Buddhism like you never have before, in no time at all.


Beat Zen, Square Zen and Zen

Beat Zen, Square Zen and Zen

Author: Alan W. Watts

Publisher:

Published: 2011-10-01

Total Pages: 32

ISBN-13: 9781258121242

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Book Synopsis Beat Zen, Square Zen and Zen by : Alan W. Watts

Download or read book Beat Zen, Square Zen and Zen written by Alan W. Watts and published by . This book was released on 2011-10-01 with total page 32 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Encyclopedia of Sciences and Religions

Encyclopedia of Sciences and Religions

Author: Anne Runehov

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2013-05-18

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781402082641

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"To all who love the God with a 1000 names and respect science” In the last quarter century, the academic field of Science and Theology (Religion) has attracted scholars from a wide variety of disciplines. The question is, which disciplines are attracted and what do these disciplines have to contribute to the debate? In order to answer this question, the encyclopedia maps the (self)-identified disciplines and religious traditions that participate or might come to participate in the Science and Religion debate. This is done by letting each representative of a discipline and tradition answer specific chosen questions. They also need to identify the discipline in relation to the Science and Religion debate. Understandably representatives of several disciplines and traditions answered in the negative to this question. Nevertheless, they can still be important for the debate; indeed, scholars and scientists who work in the field of Science and Theology (Religion) may need knowledge beyond their own specific discipline. Therefore the encyclopedia also includes what are called general entries. Such entries may explain specific theories, methods, and topics. The general aim is to provide a starting point for new lines of inquiry. It is an invitation for fresh perspectives on the possibilities for engagement between and across sciences (again which includes the social and human sciences) and religions and theology. This encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference work for scholars interested in the topic of ‘Science and Religion.’ It covers the widest spectrum possible of academic disciplines and religious traditions worldwide, with the intent of laying bare similarities and differences that naturally emerge within and across disciplines and religions today. The A–Z format throughout affords easy and user-friendly access to relevant information. Additionally, a systematic question-answer format across all Sciences and Religions entries affords efficient identification of specific points of agreement, conflict, and disinterest across and between sciences and religions. The extensive cross-referencing between key words, phrases, and technical language used in the entries facilitates easy searches. We trust that all of the entries have something of value for any interested reader. Anne L.C. Runehov and Lluis Oviedo


Book Synopsis Encyclopedia of Sciences and Religions by : Anne Runehov

Download or read book Encyclopedia of Sciences and Religions written by Anne Runehov and published by Springer. This book was released on 2013-05-18 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "To all who love the God with a 1000 names and respect science” In the last quarter century, the academic field of Science and Theology (Religion) has attracted scholars from a wide variety of disciplines. The question is, which disciplines are attracted and what do these disciplines have to contribute to the debate? In order to answer this question, the encyclopedia maps the (self)-identified disciplines and religious traditions that participate or might come to participate in the Science and Religion debate. This is done by letting each representative of a discipline and tradition answer specific chosen questions. They also need to identify the discipline in relation to the Science and Religion debate. Understandably representatives of several disciplines and traditions answered in the negative to this question. Nevertheless, they can still be important for the debate; indeed, scholars and scientists who work in the field of Science and Theology (Religion) may need knowledge beyond their own specific discipline. Therefore the encyclopedia also includes what are called general entries. Such entries may explain specific theories, methods, and topics. The general aim is to provide a starting point for new lines of inquiry. It is an invitation for fresh perspectives on the possibilities for engagement between and across sciences (again which includes the social and human sciences) and religions and theology. This encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference work for scholars interested in the topic of ‘Science and Religion.’ It covers the widest spectrum possible of academic disciplines and religious traditions worldwide, with the intent of laying bare similarities and differences that naturally emerge within and across disciplines and religions today. The A–Z format throughout affords easy and user-friendly access to relevant information. Additionally, a systematic question-answer format across all Sciences and Religions entries affords efficient identification of specific points of agreement, conflict, and disinterest across and between sciences and religions. The extensive cross-referencing between key words, phrases, and technical language used in the entries facilitates easy searches. We trust that all of the entries have something of value for any interested reader. Anne L.C. Runehov and Lluis Oviedo