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Great Religions of Modern Man
Buddhism
FIRST HARDCOVER EDITION
- GenresNonfictionBuddhism
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1969
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 16, 2020
About as comprehensive as the preceding volume in the set (on Hindusim): that is to say, it provides a reasonable overview, but for specifics (especially as regards the various schools), you're going to want to supplement your studies with additional material.
It's also somewhat difficult, since the author goes for a very much "in universe" treatment of the subject. He introduces you to terminology in various foreign languages, and then immediately begins using that terminology in the ensuing discussion. If you don't take notes, the linguistic complexity can become overwhelming very quickly. A sample passage:
"Briefly, with reference to the major paths in Buddhism as described in Chapter 1, Section 3, the Sila-marga group of schools, such as the Lu-tsung in China and related Ritsu-shu in Japan, stresses Adhisila; the Dhyana-marga group of schools, such as the Ch'an-tsung in China and related Zen-shu in Japan, stresses Adhicitta; the former Prajna-marga group of schools, such as the Madhyamkia developments and the Pajnaparamita literature, stressed Adhiprajna; whereas the Buddhanusmrti-marga group, such as the Ching-t'u-tsung in China and the related Jodo-shu and Jodo-Shin-shu in Japan, have developed a different form of Adhicitta in their devotional concentration.
"In other respects, it may be said that the Theravada tradition chiefly practices Adhisila and Adhicitta, but also Adhipanna in its Abhidhamma studies; the former Sarvastivada tradition chiefly practiced Adhisila and Adhiprajna; the former Madhyamika tradition chiefly practiced Adhiprajna; the Yogacara tradition practices all three, Adhisila, Adhicitta, and Adhiprajna, in varying degrees; and the Vajrayana tradition chiefly practcies Adhicitta and Adhiprajna."
As was the case with the previous volume, you should consider this an introductory text. I've already done some further reading on Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, so was slightly ahead of the curve here, but I did come away with a sense of how the practices impact daily life in the regions where they are held. There is a chapter that goes into detail on government patronage and the various youth movements that were current as of the time of the book's writing (circa 1960), but the gist of the book is that there are two different sets of practices, one for laity and the other for monastic life, and the monastic tradition is far and away the more rigorous and intensive. People who live their lives for today, pursuing a living and family life, will adhere to certain rules regarding compassion and the treatment of other beings, presumably in an effort to not worsen their lot in the next life, but the monks are apparently the only group actively seeking enlightenment.
It's also somewhat difficult, since the author goes for a very much "in universe" treatment of the subject. He introduces you to terminology in various foreign languages, and then immediately begins using that terminology in the ensuing discussion. If you don't take notes, the linguistic complexity can become overwhelming very quickly. A sample passage:
"Briefly, with reference to the major paths in Buddhism as described in Chapter 1, Section 3, the Sila-marga group of schools, such as the Lu-tsung in China and related Ritsu-shu in Japan, stresses Adhisila; the Dhyana-marga group of schools, such as the Ch'an-tsung in China and related Zen-shu in Japan, stresses Adhicitta; the former Prajna-marga group of schools, such as the Madhyamkia developments and the Pajnaparamita literature, stressed Adhiprajna; whereas the Buddhanusmrti-marga group, such as the Ching-t'u-tsung in China and the related Jodo-shu and Jodo-Shin-shu in Japan, have developed a different form of Adhicitta in their devotional concentration.
"In other respects, it may be said that the Theravada tradition chiefly practices Adhisila and Adhicitta, but also Adhipanna in its Abhidhamma studies; the former Sarvastivada tradition chiefly practiced Adhisila and Adhiprajna; the former Madhyamika tradition chiefly practiced Adhiprajna; the Yogacara tradition practices all three, Adhisila, Adhicitta, and Adhiprajna, in varying degrees; and the Vajrayana tradition chiefly practcies Adhicitta and Adhiprajna."
As was the case with the previous volume, you should consider this an introductory text. I've already done some further reading on Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, so was slightly ahead of the curve here, but I did come away with a sense of how the practices impact daily life in the regions where they are held. There is a chapter that goes into detail on government patronage and the various youth movements that were current as of the time of the book's writing (circa 1960), but the gist of the book is that there are two different sets of practices, one for laity and the other for monastic life, and the monastic tradition is far and away the more rigorous and intensive. People who live their lives for today, pursuing a living and family life, will adhere to certain rules regarding compassion and the treatment of other beings, presumably in an effort to not worsen their lot in the next life, but the monks are apparently the only group actively seeking enlightenment.
February 9, 2023
Buddhism, edited by Richard A. Gard, is a very detailed and academically focused work. There a many references named in Asian languages that are difficult to follow or remember. It is a reference book.
As a reader only familiar with western languages, namely English and French, it was difficult to follow. Often the word first used is defined in English but when referenced later it is hard to remember! It is a well developed description of the religion however!
It is the predominant religion of a large portion of the world, and because of that it is important for those of us in the western culture try to understand the thinking in Buddhist cultured populations!
Chapter three is where the core of the Buddhist culture is described! The Middle Path is a fundamental of Buddhism! It is between materialism and rationalism.
It is further defined as the Eightfold Path, described as: 1. Right Understanding 2. Right Thought 3. Right Speech 4. Right Action 5. Right Livelihood 6. Right Effort 7. Right Mindfulness 8. Right Concentration.
Properly understood and practiced this leads a Buddhist to a harmony of mind and soul that leads to peace and happiness!
The book, though very difficult, is worth exploring in order to understand the thinking and guidance governing a third of the worlds culture and behavior!
I recommend reading it!
As a reader only familiar with western languages, namely English and French, it was difficult to follow. Often the word first used is defined in English but when referenced later it is hard to remember! It is a well developed description of the religion however!
It is the predominant religion of a large portion of the world, and because of that it is important for those of us in the western culture try to understand the thinking in Buddhist cultured populations!
Chapter three is where the core of the Buddhist culture is described! The Middle Path is a fundamental of Buddhism! It is between materialism and rationalism.
It is further defined as the Eightfold Path, described as: 1. Right Understanding 2. Right Thought 3. Right Speech 4. Right Action 5. Right Livelihood 6. Right Effort 7. Right Mindfulness 8. Right Concentration.
Properly understood and practiced this leads a Buddhist to a harmony of mind and soul that leads to peace and happiness!
The book, though very difficult, is worth exploring in order to understand the thinking and guidance governing a third of the worlds culture and behavior!
I recommend reading it!
December 31, 2016
A book edited by Gard in 1962 containing sections of Buddhist texts and Buddhist scholars. Dated. Academic in tone. I found chapter three by far the most interesting.
200-299-religion
May 21, 2019294.30
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews