A Buddhist Theory of Semiotics: Signs, Ontology, and Salvation in Japanese Esoteric Buddhism (Continuum Advances in Semiotics) by Rambelli, Fabio (2013) Paperback

by Fabio Rambelli

One of the first attempts ever to present in a systematic way a non-western semiotic system. This book looks at Japanese esoteric Buddhism and is based around original texts, informed by explicit and rigorous semiotic categories. It is a unique introduction to important aspects of the thought and rituals of the Japanese Shingon tradition.Semiotic concerns are deeply ingrained in the Buddhist intellectual and religious discourse, beginning with the idea that the world is not what it appears to be, which calls for a more accurate understanding of the self and reality. This in turn results in sustained discussions on the status of language and representations, and on the possibility and methods to know reality beyond delusion; such peculiar knowledge is explicitly defined as enlightenment. Thus, for Buddhism, semiotics is directly relevant to salvation; this is a key point that is often ignored even by Buddhologists. This book discusses in depth the main elements of Buddhist semiotics as based primarily on original Japanese pre-modern sources. It is a crucial publication in the fields of semiotics and religious studies.

Genres: Buddhism, Semiotics

Paperback

First published March 14, 2013

Reviews

[Emma Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Semiotics was one of the sections of Linguistics that was hard for me to wrap my head around. What is a sign? What are the specific parameters that categorize a sign? Why do we care? Of course, it grew on me, but, through Rambelli's text on Semiotics in Esoteric Buddishm, I was finally to put the pieces together. Rambelli has a compelling voice, and obvious love and understanding of his subject. His style is a bit dry at times, but there is obvious passion and care in his chosen subject. It was excellent reading, and a gateway to dive into more Semiotic reading.