When we understand that something is a pot; is it because of one property that all pots share? This seems unlikely; but without this common essence; it is difficult to see how we could teach someone to use the word "pot" or to see something as a pot. The Buddhist apoha theory tries to resolve this dilemma; first; by rejecting properties such as "potness" and; then; by claiming that the element uniting all pots is their very difference from all non-pots. In other words; when we seek out a pot; we select an object that is not a non-pot; and we repeat this practice with all other items and expressions.Writing from the vantage points of history; philosophy; and cognitive science; the contributors to this volume clarify the nominalist apoha theory and explore the relationship between apoha and the scientific study of human cognition. They engage throughout in a lively debate over the theory's legitimacy. Classical Indian philosophers challenged the apoha theory's legitimacy; believing instead in the existence of enduring essences. Seeking to settle this controversy; essays explore whether apoha offers new and workable solutions to problems in the scientific study of human cognition. They show that the work of generations of Indian philosophers can add much toward the resolution of persistent conundrums in analytic philosophy and cognitive science.
#614319 in Books Teiser Stephen F Stone Jacqueline I 2009-07-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.94 x .56 x 6.04l; .90 #File Name: 0231142897304 pagesReadings of the Lotus Sutra
Review
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful. A fantastic contextualization of the Lotus SutraBy EdUpon first approach; the Lotus Sutra may strike many as quite odd; especially if they are more familiar with Buddhism in the capacity of philosophy or with the original teachings of the Buddha from the Pali. It would be easy for such a person to simply abandon further research on this text if it were not for its extraordinary popularity in East Asian Buddhism. In order to gain insight in to the sutra's popularity; "...it is necessary to be familiar with not only the sutra text itself but also the stura's history of interpretation and the circumstances that have shaped that process over time." The closing lines of this collection of essays articulate exactly what they attempt to accomplish. These eight essays unpack and contextualize the Lotus Sutra. For those interested in the sutra; especially those who are approaching it out of curiosity (as compared to those who approach it out of veneration); this is easily the best source available.1.) Interpreting the Lotus Sutra - Stephen F. Teiser Jacqueline I. StoneThis essay introduces the main themes of the sutra as an overview and looks into some of its unique aspects; such as its self-referential or circular quality. It also presents a valuable section on the history of the sutra's translation as well as an overview of the Lotus-centered schools of thought.2.) Expedient Devices; The One Vehicle; and the Life Span of the Buddha - Carl BielefeldtThis invaluable essay presents an easy and to the point explanation of the various sections of the Lotus Sutra; emphasizing skillful means (upaya).3.) Gender and Hierarchy in the Lotus Sutra - Jan NattierThis essay looks at Mahayana views on women around the time when the Lotus Sutra was written in Sanskrit. It also presents a great overview of gender issues within Buddhism. The famous story of the Naga princess who attains enlightenment in a matter of moments is addressed here and Nattier carefully pieces through the social forces of antiquity that influenced the notion that before she could be enlightened; she first had to turn into a man.4.) The Lotus Sutra and Self-Immolation - James A. BennThis essay looks at chapter 23 of the Lotus Sutra as the "locus classicus" of auto-cremation in Asia. This is exactly the sort of context that impressed me with this book. I'm sure many have wondered what setting oneself ablaze has to do with Buddhism; and I was surprised that this query was answered with "the Lotus Sutra; chapter 23 to be exact."5.) Buddhist Practice and the Lotus Sutra in China - Daniel B. StevensonThis essay expounds on the five practices of upholding; reading; reciting; explaining and copying the Lotus Sutra and how these have manifested in various practices in China.6.) Art of the Lotus Sutra - Willa Jane TanabeThis essay delivers a very dense crash-course in the varieties of art devoted to the Lotus Sutra. "This brief overview of art associated with the Lotus Sutra makes clear that East Asian Buddhists went far beyond the sutra's simple exhortation to draw images with fingernails and pile up sand stupas." Well there's an understatement.7.) Bodily Reading of the Lotus Sutra - Ruben L. F. HabitoThis essay addresses Nichiren's unique interpretation of the Lotus Sutra; which Habito breaks down into four major themes; reading the sutra is akin to meeting the Buddha; merely reciting the title will bestow enlightenment and protection; the sutra is very specifically necessary for Japan in its current era; and that true followers of the Sutra should reject all other schools and even lay down their lives for its true interpretation (which is; of course; Nichiren's).8.) Realizing this World as The Buddha Land - Jacqueline I. StoneThis essay emphasizes the influence of the Lotus Sutra had on later doctrines of the non-duality between people and the Buddha Land and the Buddha Land and various aspects of this very world. She concludes with an insightful section on pre-war Lotus Sutra-inspired nationalism in Nichiren-shugi (Nichirenism) and a brief post-war synopsis of Soka Gakkai and Rissho Koseikai. I found the investigation into Nichiren's "militant exclusionism" (Bowring) as a pre-war pre-cursor to Japanese ultra-nationalism to be utterly fascinating and would love to learn more.Overall; this collection of essays delivers sufficient context that will allow the reader to pull the Lotus Sutra out of mystery and place it in a very clear cultural; social and political setting. As I mentioned; this is easily the best book I know of that can accomplish this task. If there is one better suited to the job; I am unaware of it.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent studies on the LotusBy Upasaka Heng HeI bought it mostly for Jacqueline Stone's analysis of the Lotus; which is great. Some other stuff in it; such as about the art inspired by the Lotus Sutra; is not of particular interest to me; but I can appreciate it.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. welcome on any shelf.By CustomerAs something of a devotee of the Lotus Sutra I welcome the careful scholarship on the text; history and lore on this great classic of Buddhism. Some of the pieces; however; were a bit dry and had the awkwardness of academic shcholarship.
