BUDDHISHM
The way of Buddhism: its ideals and philosophy, its religious and moral principles and practices, its implication in the political, social, social and cultural life of its followers.
Edited by
RICHARD A . GARD
CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION
1. The Buddhist point of view
2. Buddhist historical developments
3. Traditional Buddhist ways, schools, and paths
4. The nature of Buddhist literature
5. The three valued components of Buddhism
II THE BUDDHA : TEACHER AND IDEAL
1. The Buddha as teacher
2. The Venerated Buddha
3. The manifested Buddha
4. The Buddhist Pantheon
5. The followers of the Buddha
III THE DHAMMA/ DHARMA : BUDDHIST
Principle
1.The basic problem of life and the four principles in Buddhism
2. The first principle : the nature of existence
3. The second principle : the nature of causation
4. The third principle : the ultimate freedom in perfect existence
5. The correlation of thought, conduct, and being in Buddhism
IV THE DHAMMA / DHARMA : BUDDHIST
Practices
1. The fourth principle : the middle way and the eightfold path
2. The threefold training
3. The principles of progress toward enlightenment
4. The stages of progress toward enlightenment
5. Buddhist ceremonies and Rituals
V THE SANGHA : BUDDHIST MONASTICISM
1. The organization of the monastic
Order: The Sangha
2. The regulations of the Sangha : the Vinaya
3. Life in a Thai Theravada monastery
4. Life in a Japanese Mahàyàna
5. Life in a Tibetan Vajrayãna monastery
VI THE SANGHA : BUDDHIST SOCIETY AND THE LAITY
1. Buddhist conceptions of change in society and the Sangha
2. Buddhist political thought and institutions
3. Buddhist social thought and practices
4. Buddhist lay groups and activities
5. Buddhist expressions in the cultural arts
References
Index
NOTE OF THE PUBLISHER
Interest in the religions of the Orient has grown with the increasing involvement of the East in world affairs. Buddhism, not only as one of the major religious movements of the world, but as a dominant political and social influence in the East is being subject to ever-increasing study. This volume, which presents the belief and practices of Buddhism as expressed in the major writings of the Buddhist tradition, is therefore both highly informative and timely.
The central insight of Buddhism , its historical development and major variations, are presented at the outset of the volume. From this the reader is led through the vast literature in selections which emphasize the dominant themes of the ideal way of Buddhist life.
The first section describes the teachings of the Buddha and the development of his cult. The basic philosophy of Buddhism is then discussed.. its explanation of the relation of being, thought, and action. From these principles arise the practices of the Buddhist religion: the training process, the paths of Buddhism, the principles of ideal conduct. This section closes with a description of principal Buddhist ceremonies and rituals.
Buddhist monasticism is described in authoritative documents. Here will be found not only an explanation of the general organization and regulations of the monastic orders, but detailed accounts of the way of life in three major Buddhist monasteries.
The final section of the volume is of significance for understanding the role of Buddhism today. It presents Buddhist thought on social, political, and cultural issues, and indicates the role which Buddhism may play in the future development of the East.
Dr. Richard A. Gard is lecturer in Buddhist studies at Yale University. A graduate of the University of Washington and the University of Hawaii, he received his Ph.D. from Claremont. He has the unique distinction of having lectured on Buddhism at a number of the major Buddhist universities in Asia. In addition to his periods of residence in Asia. Dr. Gard has returned at frequent intervals for further field work. He has received many awards in recognition of his work on Buddhism. In addition to various articles, he is the author of Studies in oriental philosophy and Buddhist political thought.
GEORGE BRAZILLER
One park Avenue , New York 10016