Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition [Paperback]

Paul Williams (Author), Anthony J. Tribe (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415207010 | ISBN-13: 978-0415207010 | Publication Date: October 2000 | Edition: 1

Buddhist Thought guides the reader towards a richer understanding of the central concepts of classical Indian Buddhist thought, from the time of Buddha, to the latest scholarly perspectives and controversies. Abstract and complex ideas are made understandable by the authors' lucid style. Of particular interest is the up-to-date survey of Buddhist Tantra in India, a branch of Buddhism where strictly controlled sexual activity can play a part in the religious path. Williams' discussion of this controversial practice as well as of many other subjects makes Buddhist Thought crucial reading for all interested in Buddhism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'I would thoroughly recommend this book as an introduction for anyone trying to understand the rich variety of Buddhist thought on the fundamental question of existence.' - Denise Cush, Bath Spa University College

'Although aimed at students, the book is ideal for the general reader.' - Network

'The strength of the book is the clarity of its presentation and the quality and breadth of the scholarship behind it ... It will be stimulating reading to anyone a little bewildered by the wealth and variety of Buddhist texts and practices ... It deserves to enter many a reading list.' - Reviews in Religion and Theology

About the Author

Paul Williams is Professor of Indian and Tibetan Philosophy and Co-Director of the Centre for Buddhist Studies at the University of Bristol. His numerous publications include Mahayana Buddhism (Routledge, 1989).

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415207010
• ISBN-13: 978-0415207010
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #325,440 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Content, Dreary Style, December 3, 2003

By 

Dewdrop (Taipei Taiwan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition (Paperback)

This book has many strengths and a notable weakness. On the positive side, both authors are extremely knowledgeable and guide the reader through some extremely difficult ideas. Indian Buddhism is not a straightforward topic. There are many academic debates raging on extremely fundamental questions, and there has been quite a bit of revisionism in recent years. Williams (who wrote all of the book except for the last chapter) is clearly in command of this complex material, including recent scholarship. And he has very well-considered opinions on major topics. His insights can enrich just about anyone¡¦s views of the development of Buddhism.

This book is not for everyone. It is definitely not an introduction to Buddhism ¡V Williams assumes that the reader has a little bit of background. Nor is this for traditional Buddhists who like their myths intact. Williams takes a historical approach that leads him to poke holes in many common beliefs. I consider this a plus - it's intriguing to watch Williams demolishing so many tired stereotypes.

Unfortunately, this book has a major flaw. Williams may be quite knowledgeable about Indian Buddhism, but he isn¡¦t a very talented stylist. His prose is dull, and sometimes this lackluster writing makes it difficult to understand what he¡¦s getting at. This is a shame, because the content is so good. The pace picks up considerably toward the end; Anthony Tribe writes with much more vigor, and he gives an extremely lucid introduction to Indian Buddhist tantra. I fault the publisher ¡V Routledge should definitely have subjected this book to some major editing to punch up the dreary style.

Despite this drawback, I would still strongly recommend this book. For anyone who knows about the basics of Buddhism and wants to learn more, this is an excellent choice.

Also, the bibliography of sutras and secondary scholarship is superb. This alone is worth the price of the book. The bibliography is an excellent guide to further reading.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good overview by recognized author, April 24, 2002

By 

K. Kehler (B.C., Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition (Paperback)

I'll be brief. This book is for readers interested in a good, relatively short, readable and useful book on the basics of Indian-tradition buddhism, which also touches on the confluence of Buddhism and Western philosophy. That said, it is an introductory work, and so it cannot cover everything.

Paul Williams is one of the finest writers on Buddhism and philosophy, and here he has written a wide-ranging book that -- while being devoted to doctrinal and practical and historical matters -- also touches on philosophy. The book is informed by his learning, and that of his co-author too (Tribe is responsible for just the one chapter.) I recommend it, and encourage readers to have a glance at Paul Williams' other books, and those of David Harvey as well.

Incidentally, the best short-and-sweet introduction to Buddhism must surely be Damien Keown's little book entitled Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction. And should the reader want to move to the other extreme and tackle philosophically weightier, cutting-edge topics, he or she should pick up works by Jay Garfield or (especially) George Dreyfus.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Overview of Indian Buddhist History, September 9, 2005

By 

Seth Segall (Greenburgh, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition (Paperback)

I found this book to be an excellent overview of Indian Buddhist history. The writing style is engaging and absorbing, and the book offers thoughtful explorations of a number of issues that are a matter of contention among scholars. I found that the book was able to answer a number of questions for me that I had not found addressed in other overviews of Buddhist history. I was particularly taken with the discussions of 1) the coexistence and relative influence of various Mahayana and non-Mahayana schools of thought in ancient India, 2)the different meanings of emptiness in the madhyamaka and yogacara schools, 3) the discussion of Buddha fields and Pure Lands and the cults of various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, 4)the author's understanding of Mahayana thought as a continuation of the Abhidharma project rather than simply a rebellion against it, and 5) the explanation of the relationship of Indian tantra in general to Buddhist tantra, and the way to understand the relationship between and differentiation of terms such as "tantra" and "vajrayana." This is not necessarily the best book to read as one's very first book on Buddhist history, but it fills a great void between books that are intended for beginners and books that are intended for readers who are already accomplished scholars.