The Great Awakening: A Buddhist Social Theory

by David R. Loy

The economic, social and ecological crises of modern times calls for a perspective that can incorporate Buddhist insights and principles such as generosity, loving kindness and wisdom. In "The Great Awakening" Buddhist teachings and Western social analysis meet and form a dynamic Buddhist social theory.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion, Philosophy, Sociology, Nonfiction, Spirituality, School

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

About the author

David Robert Loy is an American author and authorized teacher in the Sanbo Kyodan lineage of Japanese Zen Buddhism.

Reviews

[Jim Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally got around to reading this after it sat on my shelf for at least a few years. This was published in 2003, so some of the chapters have material that feels a bit date, but for the most part it's (sadly) still relevant. I'd previously read "Money Sex War Karma" and "A New Buddhist Path." Both of those books (written after this) were fantastic, and this doesn't quite measure up to either of them, but it's still a good-- and important, I think-- book.

Loy presents a "Buddhist Social Theory" that addresses crime and punishment, genetic engineering, war, environmental issues, greed, consumer culture, and more. Each chapter presents an approach to the topic rooted in Zen Buddhism. Throughout, he emphasizes the need for a different way of thinking and being in the world, not just new "programs" to fix problems piece by piece.

As I was reading, I marked off sections in the book that I thought were worth quoting, that I wanted to revisit when writing this review. But there was so much good material, there's no way I could quote every quote-worthy piece. I'll just quote one bit, from early on, that seems relevant for all that follows throughout the book.

"Liechty's' final comment on insane levels of capitalist accumulation reminds us how obscene it is that 497 people monopolize more of the earth's resources than are available to half of the world's 6.3 billion people. Many critics ask why we support an economic system that allows this to happen; another issue, however, is why anyone would to become so wealthy. (How many meals a day can eat?) If a preoccupation with making much more money than you can possibly spend is neurotic, then there is also something neurotic about a society that encourages this preoccupation by making such people into role models and cultural heroes."

[Kandachamy Vijayakumaran · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book showing the right path to reduce the sufferings of the world based on Buddhist principles. The effect of this book, I am not sure, will be significant in the present-day world. The modern society has reached an orbit from where no force can move it without self-destruction. We could wait and see that happen with the wisdom that everything is impermanent.

[Ashutosh Sahu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, brilliant, highly relevant to us, right now, today.

[Walt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since religions have developed in a very different context than the current world situation, to live religiously one must find the path which connects ideas across time and applies them to life in the world now. This book takes this approach on Buddhism, showing how understanding the roots of suffering can apply to the global suffering we are experiencing. By drawing attention to the hidden motivations and delusions behind capitalism, just war, criminal punishment, biotechnology, and harm to the Earth, Loy develops an extremely relevant interpretation of nonduality and interconnectedness which might yet help the world enlighten itself.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loy attempts to create a 'Buddhist Social Theory': an application of Buddhist (largely Mahayana) philosophy and ethic to solve modern social issues. While many salient critiques of oppression are accurate (privileged elites oppressing workers, men oppressing women, humans oppressing the rest of the biosphere), Loy argues that all these critiques are only pieces of a larger puzzle. These hierarchies are prominent examples of the effects of the three poisons - greed, ill will, and delusion - which in turn arise from our delusive sense of self.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. Loy becomes a little repetitive at times but there are some really striking passages in this book - it's always good to get an outside perspective (and by outside I mean a non-Judeo-Christian perspective)...Hahahah, but I shouldn't really say that, because the dangers of an "us/them" mentality is outlined as one of the key problems to be overcome in this book (i.e. establishing dualities such as good/evil). But yep, worth a read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Every once in a while I come across a book that challenges me on new and profound levels. This was by no means an easy read for me, but not having much of a background in Buddhism, it covered the concepts very well. I appreciated the modern ties linked to this ancient tradition, all of which are still very applicable today.