Visions of the Buddha

Visions of the Buddha

Author: Eviatar Shulman

Publisher:

Published: 2021

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780197587898

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'Visions of the Buddha' offers a groundbreaking new approach to the nature of the early discourses of the Buddha, the most foundational scriptures of Buddhist religion. While the early discourses are commonly considered to be attempts to preserve the Buddha's teachings, Shulman demonstrates that these texts are full of creativity, driven by inspired storytelling. Much of this storytelling is effected through techniques specific to oral literature, in which oral formulas can be combined in an infinite variety of ways, in order to produce yet more beautified visions of Buddhist truth.


Book Synopsis Visions of the Buddha by : Eviatar Shulman

Download or read book Visions of the Buddha written by Eviatar Shulman and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'Visions of the Buddha' offers a groundbreaking new approach to the nature of the early discourses of the Buddha, the most foundational scriptures of Buddhist religion. While the early discourses are commonly considered to be attempts to preserve the Buddha's teachings, Shulman demonstrates that these texts are full of creativity, driven by inspired storytelling. Much of this storytelling is effected through techniques specific to oral literature, in which oral formulas can be combined in an infinite variety of ways, in order to produce yet more beautified visions of Buddhist truth.


Visions of the Buddha

Visions of the Buddha

Author: Eviatar Shulman

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2021-08-25

Total Pages: 255

ISBN-13: 0197587887

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Visions of the Buddha offers a ground-breaking approach to the nature of the early discourses of the Buddha, the most foundational scriptures of Buddhist religion. Although the early discourses are commonly considered to be attempts to preserve the Buddha's teachings, Shulman demonstrates that these texts are full of creativity, and that their main aim is to beautify the image of the wonderous Buddha. While the texts surely care for the early teachings and for the Buddha's philosophy or his guidelines for meditation, and while at times they may relate real historical events, they are no less interested in telling good stories, in re-working folkloric materials, and in the visionary contemplation of the Buddha in order to sense his unique presence. The texts can thus be, at times, a type of meditation. Eviatar Shulman frames the early discourses as literary masterpieces that helped Buddhism achieve the wonderful success it has obtained. Much of the discourses' masterful storytelling was achieved through a technique of composition defined here as the play of formulas. In the oral literature of early Buddhism, texts were composed of formulas, which are repeated within and between texts. Shulman argues that the formulas are the real texts of Buddhism, and are primary to full discourses. Shaping texts through the play of formulas balances conservative and innovative tendencies within the tradition, making room for creativity within accepted forms and patterns. The texts we find today are thus versions--remnants--chosen by history of a much more vibrant and dynamic creative process.


Book Synopsis Visions of the Buddha by : Eviatar Shulman

Download or read book Visions of the Buddha written by Eviatar Shulman and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2021-08-25 with total page 255 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Visions of the Buddha offers a ground-breaking approach to the nature of the early discourses of the Buddha, the most foundational scriptures of Buddhist religion. Although the early discourses are commonly considered to be attempts to preserve the Buddha's teachings, Shulman demonstrates that these texts are full of creativity, and that their main aim is to beautify the image of the wonderous Buddha. While the texts surely care for the early teachings and for the Buddha's philosophy or his guidelines for meditation, and while at times they may relate real historical events, they are no less interested in telling good stories, in re-working folkloric materials, and in the visionary contemplation of the Buddha in order to sense his unique presence. The texts can thus be, at times, a type of meditation. Eviatar Shulman frames the early discourses as literary masterpieces that helped Buddhism achieve the wonderful success it has obtained. Much of the discourses' masterful storytelling was achieved through a technique of composition defined here as the play of formulas. In the oral literature of early Buddhism, texts were composed of formulas, which are repeated within and between texts. Shulman argues that the formulas are the real texts of Buddhism, and are primary to full discourses. Shaping texts through the play of formulas balances conservative and innovative tendencies within the tradition, making room for creativity within accepted forms and patterns. The texts we find today are thus versions--remnants--chosen by history of a much more vibrant and dynamic creative process.


Three Visions

Three Visions

Author: Dkon-mchog-lhun-grub (Ngor-chen)

Publisher: Snow Lion

Published: 2002-05-07

Total Pages: 274

ISBN-13:

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Examines the state of those experiencing suffering, those engaged in the methods leading towards freedom from unhappiness and misery, and those fully enlightened ones who have attained the highest goal of omniscient awakening.


Book Synopsis Three Visions by : Dkon-mchog-lhun-grub (Ngor-chen)

Download or read book Three Visions written by Dkon-mchog-lhun-grub (Ngor-chen) and published by Snow Lion. This book was released on 2002-05-07 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Examines the state of those experiencing suffering, those engaged in the methods leading towards freedom from unhappiness and misery, and those fully enlightened ones who have attained the highest goal of omniscient awakening.


Visions of Sukhāvatī

Visions of Sukhāvatī

Author: Julian F. Pas

Publisher: State University of New York Press

Published: 1995-08-17

Total Pages: 472

ISBN-13: 1438415591

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The Pure Land movement focuses on the worship of one particular Buddha, Amitabha or Amitayus who created a paradise named Sukhavati, Land of Extreme Bliss. The scriptures of this school promise rebirth in that Land to the devotees of that Buddha. It was considered to be an "easy way" to gain salvation in contrast with the "arduous path" of self-sacrifice recommended in original Buddhism. T'ang monk Shan-tao was instrumental in the propagation and popularity of this devotional school. He was an ascetic and serious meditator who followed the techniques of visualization explained in the Sutra on Visualizing Buddha Amita, and his commentary on this text was later considered to be his most outstanding work. Western authors, however, misrepresent Shan-tao because they follow the lead of Japanese Jodo Shinshu masters who deemphasized meditative practices. With the hope that old stereotypes will be dropped, this book lets the Chinese texts speak for themselves.


Book Synopsis Visions of Sukhāvatī by : Julian F. Pas

Download or read book Visions of Sukhāvatī written by Julian F. Pas and published by State University of New York Press. This book was released on 1995-08-17 with total page 472 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Pure Land movement focuses on the worship of one particular Buddha, Amitabha or Amitayus who created a paradise named Sukhavati, Land of Extreme Bliss. The scriptures of this school promise rebirth in that Land to the devotees of that Buddha. It was considered to be an "easy way" to gain salvation in contrast with the "arduous path" of self-sacrifice recommended in original Buddhism. T'ang monk Shan-tao was instrumental in the propagation and popularity of this devotional school. He was an ascetic and serious meditator who followed the techniques of visualization explained in the Sutra on Visualizing Buddha Amita, and his commentary on this text was later considered to be his most outstanding work. Western authors, however, misrepresent Shan-tao because they follow the lead of Japanese Jodo Shinshu masters who deemphasized meditative practices. With the hope that old stereotypes will be dropped, this book lets the Chinese texts speak for themselves.


Vision of the Buddha

Vision of the Buddha

Author: Tom Lowenstein

Publisher:

Published: 1996

Total Pages: 188

ISBN-13: 9780705430715

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Book Synopsis Vision of the Buddha by : Tom Lowenstein

Download or read book Vision of the Buddha written by Tom Lowenstein and published by . This book was released on 1996 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Buddhist Vision

Buddhist Vision

Author: Subhuti

Publisher: Windhorse Publications

Published: 2013-06-14

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13: 1909314137

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What is the Buddhist vision? Put simply, it is that all humans can develop. Each one of us can find a way beyond the dissatisfaction and suffering of everyday life and realize our full potential. In describing three important Buddhist symbols, Subhuti shows us how. Informed by more than 25 years of committed Buddhist practice, Subhuti's clarity and understanding will be welcomed by both newcomers to Buddhism and those with more experience. His inspiring call challenges us to follow the Buddhist path with all our heart.


Book Synopsis Buddhist Vision by : Subhuti

Download or read book Buddhist Vision written by Subhuti and published by Windhorse Publications. This book was released on 2013-06-14 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What is the Buddhist vision? Put simply, it is that all humans can develop. Each one of us can find a way beyond the dissatisfaction and suffering of everyday life and realize our full potential. In describing three important Buddhist symbols, Subhuti shows us how. Informed by more than 25 years of committed Buddhist practice, Subhuti's clarity and understanding will be welcomed by both newcomers to Buddhism and those with more experience. His inspiring call challenges us to follow the Buddhist path with all our heart.


Empty Vision

Empty Vision

Author: David McMahan

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-12-19

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13: 1136857265

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Visual metaphors in a number of Mahayana sutras construct a discourse in which visual perception serves as a model for knowledge and enlightenment. In the Perfection of Wisdom (Prajnaparamita) and other Mahayana literature, immediate access to reality is symbolized by vision and set in opposition to language and conceptual thinking, which are construed as obscuring reality. In addition to its philosophical manifestations, the tension between vision and language also functioned as a strategy of legitimation in the struggle of the early heterodox Mahayana movement for authority and legitimacy. This emphasis on vision also served as a resource for the abundant mythical imagery in Mahayana sutras, imagery that is ritualized in Vajrayana visualization practices. McMahan brings a wide range of literature to bear on this issue, Including a rare analysis of the lavish imagery of the Gandavyuha Sutra in its Indian context. He concludes with a discussion of Indian approaches to visuality in the light of some recent discussions of "ocularcentrism" in the west, inviting scholars to expand the current discussion of vision and its roles in constructing epistemic systems and cultural practices beyond its exclusively European and American focus.


Book Synopsis Empty Vision by : David McMahan

Download or read book Empty Vision written by David McMahan and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-12-19 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Visual metaphors in a number of Mahayana sutras construct a discourse in which visual perception serves as a model for knowledge and enlightenment. In the Perfection of Wisdom (Prajnaparamita) and other Mahayana literature, immediate access to reality is symbolized by vision and set in opposition to language and conceptual thinking, which are construed as obscuring reality. In addition to its philosophical manifestations, the tension between vision and language also functioned as a strategy of legitimation in the struggle of the early heterodox Mahayana movement for authority and legitimacy. This emphasis on vision also served as a resource for the abundant mythical imagery in Mahayana sutras, imagery that is ritualized in Vajrayana visualization practices. McMahan brings a wide range of literature to bear on this issue, Including a rare analysis of the lavish imagery of the Gandavyuha Sutra in its Indian context. He concludes with a discussion of Indian approaches to visuality in the light of some recent discussions of "ocularcentrism" in the west, inviting scholars to expand the current discussion of vision and its roles in constructing epistemic systems and cultural practices beyond its exclusively European and American focus.


Rethinking the Buddha

Rethinking the Buddha

Author: Eviatar Shulman

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2014-06-23

Total Pages: 225

ISBN-13: 110706239X

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Shulman traces the development of the four noble truths, which in fact originated as observations to be cultivated during meditation.


Book Synopsis Rethinking the Buddha by : Eviatar Shulman

Download or read book Rethinking the Buddha written by Eviatar Shulman and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2014-06-23 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Shulman traces the development of the four noble truths, which in fact originated as observations to be cultivated during meditation.


Smile of the Buddha

Smile of the Buddha

Author: Jacquelynn Baas

Publisher:

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13:

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"The relations between eastern and western cultures have long been a neglected topic, and this careful and intelligent look at a small but significant part of those relations is most welcome."--Thomas McEvilley, author of The Shape of Ancient Thought "How wonderful that Jacquelynn Baas has seen the light of the Buddha's smile shining from faraway Asia into the realm of the art of modern times in what we think of as the West! . . . Her work reveals how some of our most influential artists explored and expressed the sophisticated perceptions and joyful energy emanating from the realm of Buddhist Asia."--Robert A. F. Thurman "As a Buddhist scholar and artist I welcome this thoughtful and richly detailed study of how many aspects of Buddhism have stimulated, invigorated, and enriched Western arts over the past 150 years."--Stephen Addiss, author of The Art of Zen "A crucial contribution to modern art studies, this high-spirited text surveys Western artists awakened by the wisdom of the East, from Monet and Duchamp to O'Keeffe to Martin. It is a thoughtful book about thoughtful artists, their values and their visions, with a lot to offer general readers and specialists alike."--Charles Stuckey, Associate Professor of Art History at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago


Book Synopsis Smile of the Buddha by : Jacquelynn Baas

Download or read book Smile of the Buddha written by Jacquelynn Baas and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The relations between eastern and western cultures have long been a neglected topic, and this careful and intelligent look at a small but significant part of those relations is most welcome."--Thomas McEvilley, author of The Shape of Ancient Thought "How wonderful that Jacquelynn Baas has seen the light of the Buddha's smile shining from faraway Asia into the realm of the art of modern times in what we think of as the West! . . . Her work reveals how some of our most influential artists explored and expressed the sophisticated perceptions and joyful energy emanating from the realm of Buddhist Asia."--Robert A. F. Thurman "As a Buddhist scholar and artist I welcome this thoughtful and richly detailed study of how many aspects of Buddhism have stimulated, invigorated, and enriched Western arts over the past 150 years."--Stephen Addiss, author of The Art of Zen "A crucial contribution to modern art studies, this high-spirited text surveys Western artists awakened by the wisdom of the East, from Monet and Duchamp to O'Keeffe to Martin. It is a thoughtful book about thoughtful artists, their values and their visions, with a lot to offer general readers and specialists alike."--Charles Stuckey, Associate Professor of Art History at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago


The Buddhist Vision

The Buddhist Vision

Author: Subhuti (Dharmachari)

Publisher: Vintage

Published: 1985

Total Pages: 222

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis The Buddhist Vision by : Subhuti (Dharmachari)

Download or read book The Buddhist Vision written by Subhuti (Dharmachari) and published by Vintage. This book was released on 1985 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: