11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Academic Collection, December 26, 2001
This collection of information on Asian philosophies, from the earliest Hindu verses to the latest modern spins on Buddhism and Confucianism, is for students, not enthusiasts. It is competent, well-researched, contains ample material for personal study, but, as the discussion questions at the ends of chapters indicate, is a college textbook.
The drawback of this, is a dispassionate, sometimes tedious delivery. The discussions of the various schools of Hinduism, are mind-boggling in their implications, but also difficult. The advantage of this, is the direct converse. The subject matter demands careful attention, not adulation.
I recommend this book for students and perhaps those with an interest in culture, but especially for those who think Western thought is too logical and lifeless. Asian philosophies have a rigor all their own, and this book should tease the proselytes from the enlightened.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Read!, October 18, 2007
This review is from: Asian Philosophies (5th Edition) (Paperback)
This book is certainly not a comprehensive item, but for those relatively new to Asian thought, it's a great start. As a matter-of-fact, it acknowledges this expected shortfall by providing suggested reading to expand on ideas presented in the book. It very directly presents and addresses key points and concepts within each of the major systems. I highly recommend this book for anyone that wants a little insight and a basic starting point towards understanding our Asian counterparts.
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6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book in moderately thin volume, February 27, 2006
GENERALLY
This book is nicely put together and covers most of the major religions in Asia.
I was somewhat sceptical when I saw the book at first, but pleasantly surprised when I started to realise that mr Koller had been able to squeeze down so much of well thought and worked through philosophies in this relatively thin book.
CONTENTS
However, the bigger attention is put on Indian philosophies (including sum of Vedic scripts, Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism and much more). Then again it makes sence if you go through all those different philosophies, as one can find few familiar elements here and there in philosophies/religions that come after Indian ones.
Maybe about 2/3 of the book is about (originally) Indian religions, including then also Buddhism in other countries. For example one of the chapters included there is about Japanese Zen Buddhism.
Another third is about Chinese religions as Confucianism and Taoism.
There is also one chapter about Islam. Maybe not really fair amount comparing with other religions, but still gives basic idea about it.
Couldn't find much, if anything, about Sikh religion... even if it might have been mentioned in few places. Even if not major religion, would have still been interesting to find at least a page about it.
STYLE
As for me, I rather think (concidering previous review) this book could be said have been writen from "believers" or even emic perspective.
It can slightly seam as the author could be potential follower of all those philosophies/religions, and this feeling of inside perspective is one of the best things about this book.
You can feel the respect by the writer for those philosophies he describes, and becouse of that this book is deffinetly not just another average dull philosophy book.
The philosophies come alive.
It is in same time clearly more than just some nice little philosophy book with basic facts, pretty pictures and friendly feelings, but without any depth.
There might be couple of the spots where you really have to think little extra, but this is only part of the fun when you figure it out.
If you really like philosophy, specially Asian, this is distinctly THE book to have.
RECOMMENDATIONS
This nice work has been one of my philosophy class books (yes, it does have questions after each chapter but it can be ignored or used for challenging oneself).
Nevertheless, I have been recommending it to everybody who might be interested of this kind of material and definitely going to continue with it.
Hopefully my review didn't become too long after all and can help you somehow.
If you get it: enjoy!! :)
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