Process Metaphysics and Hua-Yen Buddhism: A Critical Study of Cumulative Penetration Vs. Interpenetration

by Steve Odin

This study establishes a comprehensive transcultural dialogue between Whitehead’s process metaphysics and East Asian Hua-yen Buddhism, including both the profound parallels and the doctrinal debates that arise between these two traditions. To advance this dialogue, Dr. Odin has called upon several other Western hermeneutical systems in order to radically reinterpret Hua-yen modes of phenomenology, depth psychology, linguistic analysis, and dialectical discourse.

Of special interest is Dr. Odin’s exposition of Korean Hua-yen (or Hwaom) Buddhism, including a full translation of the famous Ocean Seal (with Autocommentary) composed by Uisang (625-702), the first patriarch of Korean Hua-yen Buddhism. This is the first published translation of a major Korean Buddhist’s treatise into English.

Genres: Buddhism, Philosophy

242 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Steve Odin is a professor at University of Hawaii, Department of Philosophy.

Reviews

[B Conatus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perspective here is a bit too Whiteheadian for my tastes, but it was well worth reading! I don’t feel the pull of the directional and teleological intuitions that the author is relying upon; but I think that seeing how they play out helps to make it clear just how different the Huayan perspective is!

[Jessica Zu · Rating 1 out of 5]

a bit dated. basically a whiteheadian reading of Hua-yen buddhist philosophy: eastern thoughts as fodder to enrich interpetertive diversity of western scholars ... sigh ...