Your enlightened mind wants to know : Mahayana's origins and the implications of Buddhism by Walsh, J. M, Conze, Edward, 1904-1979 ISBN 9781478323419, 1478323418 instant download

Your enlightened mind wants to know : Mahayana's origins and the implications of Buddhism by Walsh, J. M, Conze, Edward, 1904-1979 ISBN 9781478323419, 1478323418 instant download

[ix], 267 pages ; 23 cm, What is Mahayana Buddhism? Author J.M. Walsh, a practicing Buddhist, sets out to answer this question by uncovering the earliest layers of the Mahayana tradition. Focusing on the teachings of one Buddhist school, he undertakes a metaphorical archaeological dig through Tantric, Japanese, Chinese, and Indian Buddhist sources. Citing an array of Buddhist teachers and scholars, he identifies connections to the ancient beliefs found along the Silk Road that link the world's major religions in a surprising way. He shares personal experiences that keep the narrative grounded in the reality of modern Buddhist practice. The diversity found in Mahayana, which leads some to view it as a meditative philosophy and others as a belief system filled with divine beings, is truly puzzling. Prominent in East Asia and Tibet, Mahayana differs greatly from the Theravada Buddhism of Thailand and Sri Lanka. The author leads Buddhists and those who are merely curious through an analysis of these competing strands, and identifies three different perspectives Mahayana could be said to represent: a cosmic law or Dharma; a practical life philosophy; and an emerging universal religion. All three views find support in the Mahayana tradition. His clear, logical writing and sound conclusions provide refreshing relief from religious dogma. His thoughts can serve as an antidote to the influence of fundamentalism in all its forms, Includes bibliographical references (pages 265-267)