Understanding Eastern Philosophy Understanding Eastern Philosophy provides an accessible critical introduction to how some of the key philosophies of the East compare with those in the West. Starting from a discussion of the problems of distinguishing between religions and philosophies, Ray Billington presents a clear picture of the key tenets behind Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Jainism and Confucianism. Moving on to compare the key themes of religious philosophy that cut across East and West, such as a belief in God, the soul, moral decision-making, nature and authority, Understanding Eastern Philosophy presents a fascinating and controversial picture of the contribution theistic religions have to make. With its belief in a personal God bestowing a particular version of 'truth', Ray Billington concludes that the universal mysticism characteristic of Eastern thought provides a more realistic and rewarding path than is commonly supposed in the West. Understanding Eastern Philosophy assumes no prior knowledge of religion or philosophy. |
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Common terms and phrases
accepted according achieved Advaita Vedanta affirmation anatman anicca argued arising atman basic become behaviour belief brahman Buddha Buddhism central century ch'i Chapter characterised Chinese Christian Chuang Tzu concept Confucianism Confucius consciousness death described discussed divine doctrine duhkha earlier Earth Eastern philosophy Eastern thought emphasis enlightenment eternal existence experience expression fact faith followers gods harmony Heaven Hindu Hinduism human nature ideal ideas important Indian individual interpretation intuitive issue Jainism Jains Jesus K'ung karma karmic literally living Mahayana manifestation matter maya means meditation Mencius metaphysical mind moksha monks moral mystical nirvana one's particular path perfect person problem realisation recognised reference reflected religious samadhi samsara schools seems seen sense soul spiritual Tao Te Ching tao-chiao Taoism teaching theistic religions Theravada things Tibetan tradition translation truth Tzu's ultimate universe Vedas Western word writings yin and yang yin–yang Yoga
Bibliographic information
| Title | Understanding Eastern Philosophy |
| Author | Ray Billington |
| Publisher | Routledge, 2002 |
| ISBN | 1134793480, 9781134793488 |
| Length | 208 pages |
| Subjects | › Philosophy / General |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |