Written by one of the world's top scholars in the field of Pali Buddhism; this new and updated edition of How Buddhism Began; discusses various important doctrines and themes in early Buddhism. It takes 'early Buddhism' to be that reflected in the Pali canon; and to some extent assumes that these doctrines reflect the teachings of the Buddha himself. Two themes predominate. Firstly; the author argues that we cannot understand the Buddha unless we understand that he was debating with other religious teachers; notably Brahmins. The other main theme concerns metaphor; allegory and literalism. This accessible; well-written book is mandatory reading for all serious students of Buddhism.
#1539213 in Books Duerlinger James Duerlinger J 2003-07-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.21 x .73 x 6.14l; 1.00 #File Name: 0415406110324 pagesIndian Buddhist Theories of Persons
Review
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful. An essential book for understanding differences in BuddhismBy C. AllynI have had the wonderful opportunity to take classes from the author while he was composing this work. His understanding of the complex issues between those who propose a permanent Self (or soul); those who propose no self; and those who walk the middle path between these two extreme views. It is this middle path that Professor Duerlinger (and Vasubandhu) is attempting to illuminate.Professor Duerlinger has done a wonderful job capturing the debates between Vasubandhu and his opponents. Those familiar with the style of Socrates'' dialogs will see a very familiar style of presentation in Vasubandhu's work. Many times; Vasubandhu moves from answering a question from one opponent to attacking another in the very same response.Vasubandhu and other Buddhist writers often attempted to have their work be in verses that were easily memorized so that they could be meditated upon more easily. While this is great for monks and Geshes; it leaves the uninitiated reader a little confused by the brevity of Vasubandhu's statements. This is where Professor Duerlinger shines. He is able to separate out the intricate points that Vasubandhu condenses into a four line verse to fully explain the implications each line has to the overall belief in the existence of a Self.Vasubandhu lived in a time when Buddhism was thriving in India. His main opponents are Hindus and Nihilists; although at times he has an opponent from another school of Buddhist thought. This was a time before the mass proliferation of what has historically been called Mahayana Buddhism. But for the students of later Buddhist thought; such as Gelug-pa; you can see the philosophy of Vasubandhu distancing himself from the Hindus and the Buddhist schools of thought that clung to hard to absolute existence in a Self. While Vasubandhu's arguments against a Self never reach the Middle Way that Nagarjuna or Tsong Kha Pa espouse; you can definitely see the congruity between these three great Buddhist philosophers. Many times while reading; you feel like answering Vasubandhu's opponents with later Tibetan arguments against a Self. That is one of the wonderful things about this book; Professor Duerlinger helps one see these dialogs in the in historical context; as well as their later lasting effects on Buddhist thought.
