A History of Buddhist Philosophy: Continuities and Discontinuities

by David J. Kalupahana

David J. Kalupahana's Buddhist A Historical Analysis has, since its original publication in 1976, offered an unequaled introduction to the philosophical principles and historical development of Buddhism. Now, representing the culmination of Dr. Kalupahana's thirty years of scholarly research and reflection, A History of Buddhist Philosophy builds upon and surpasses that earlier work, providing a completely reconstructed, detailed analysis of both early and later Buddhism.

Genres: Buddhism, Philosophy, Religion, History

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1992

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book, though some of the later chapters in part two seemed too undeveloped (particularly those chapters discussing Zen and Tibetan Buddhism). Only the first couple chapters had been assigned in college. Decided to re-read it in its entirety. Very difficult. Assumes knowledge and familiarity of several primary sources. Certainly polemical in some of his interpretations and re-interpretations of various scholars' writings (Nagarjuna, Vasubhandu, D.T. Suzuki, etc.). Worth (perhaps requires) a second read for serious study. Provides the context and some of the history of Indian philosophy out of which Buddhism emerged and responded to. Interesting to see how author makes connections and interesting references with Western philosophers including Kant, David Hume, and William James and traditional Western philosophical problems.

[Chad Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great and easy read. I read the first version of the book and this update and revision in better and more in depth. After looking up a few philosophy terms I knew what he was talking about.

[Madhav Radder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read book to understand non-absolutist approach of Buddha. Author explains Buddhist Philosophy in terms of Epistemology, Ontology, Logic and Philosophy of Language

[Kandachamy Vijayakumaran · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very comprehensive account of Buddhist Philosophy covering important texts and authors- a single-window source for Buddhist philosophy. The effort of the author is quite laudable.

[Alfonso José Pizarro Ramírez · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best works on the topic that I have read along with Sri Walpola Rahula's 'What the Buddha Taught'. David Kalupahana makes use of extensive knowledge spanning from the debates between the strands of thinking related in the Rig Veda's (1500-1200 bc) Nasadiya-sukta up to the discussions in the late Mahayana, including Tantras and Ch'an. Even though not necessary, prior knowledge is highly desirable, given the highly technical debates which include topics on logic, metaphysics, and the traditional phenomenological themes. Although I would highly recommend this book to someone interested in Buddhism and general ancient Indian thought, it will be a more fruitful read if the contents of Walpola Rahula's book have already been mastered.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book suggests a scope more comprehensive than Kalupahana delivers. Indeed, a glaring lacunae exists in his coverage: Kalupahana covers little ground concerning recent developments in Buddhism (by recent, I mean anything from the last five hundred years). However, this represents only a slight quibble I carry with his work here.

Highly competent in matters of etymology, translation, and semantics in addition to profound understanding of early discourses surrounding and encompassing Buddhism, Kalupahana writes with awesome authority. One might easily devote him/herself to this book for many months without scratching the surface of his 13 page "Select Bibliography."

Kalupahana's work helps me understand the early history of Buddhist Philosophy--starting with pre-Buddhist thought in India provides requisite information in order to more fully appreciate the Buddha's middle path. Furthermore, Kalupahana's coverage of initial responses to Buddhism as well as later developments by folks such as Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, and Dignaga delineate Buddhism's early history quite helpfully.

Of particular interest to me: I could not help but draw continual parallels between ancient Buddhist thought and Western philosophy of the past two hundred years. Indeed, early Buddhist thinkers seem to have realized (long before folks such as Quine, Wittgenstein, Derrida, etc.) the complex relationship between the sign and signified--in the language of Kalupahana's work, the concepts and the objective world--but also in the relativity between language and reality that Lévi-Strauss discovered. Herein lies a project for my further studies.

I recommend this book to folks who have already flirted (at least in a cursory manner) with both Western and Eastern philosophy and who have no small constitution of stamina.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

tough read. worthwhile at points.