Buddhist Philosophy: A Historical Analysis

by David J. Kalupahana

Book Overview

This introduction to Buddhism examines its basic philosophical teachings and historical development, setting forth complex and significant ideas in a straightforward and simple style that is easily... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0824803922
• ISBN13: 9780824803926
• Release Date: July 1984
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
• Length: 212 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Very good, but a little biased.

This book is a very good and intersting book on buddhist thought. For instance, the chapter over Abhidharma is excellent. However, the author tends to give a atheistic interpretation of early buddhism, which is not quite convincing. For instance, the chapter about nirvana repeats tirelessly that the nirvana is a mere nothingness, while quoting texts that prove just the contrary. Nevertheless, even the chapters on early buddhism are quite intersting.

Incredibly concise, accurate and engaging presentation

The best single book on Buddhist philosophy I have ever read (and I have read MANY books on this subject). Clearly shows the changes to the Buddha's original teaching wrought by the Mahayana. Anyone trying to understand Buddhism as a whole, and especially the relationship between Mahayana and Theravada must read this book. However, DON'T read Kalupahana's successor volume. It is at times inaccurate and almost unreadable. I don't know why he bothered writing it.