ABSTRACT
Philosophy of the Buddha is a philosophical introduction to the teaching of the Buddha. It carefully guides readers through the basic ideas and practices of the Buddha, including kamma (karma), rebirth, the not-self doctrine, the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, ethics, meditation, non-attachment, and Nibbâna (Nirvana).
The book includes an account of the life of the Buddha as well as comparisons of his teaching with practical and theoretical aspects of some Western philosophical outlooks, both ancient and modern. Most distinctively, Philosophy of the Buddha explores how Buddhist enlightenment could enable us to overcome suffering in our lives and reach our full potential for compassion and tranquillity.
This is one of the first books to introduce the philosophy of the Buddha to students of Western philosophy. Christopher W. Gowans' style is exceptionally clear and appropriate for anyone looking for a comprehensive introduction to this growing area of interest.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part |60 pages
The Buddha's Teaching as a Philosophy
chapter |14 pages
Observing the Stream
chapter |11 pages
The Life of the Buddha
chapter |13 pages
The Teaching in Brief
chapter |9 pages
Practical Dimensions of the Teaching
chapter |11 pages
Theoretical Dimensions of the Teaching
part |56 pages
The Not-Self Doctrine
chapter |13 pages
An Interpretation of the Not-Self Doctrine
chapter |15 pages
The Rationale for Thinking there are no Substance-Selves
chapter |13 pages
Kamma, Rebirth, and the Not-Self Doctrine
part |41 pages
The Nature, Origin, and Cessation of Suffering
part |42 pages
The Way to the Cessation of Suffering