Customer Reviews

Mutual Causality in Buddihism and General Systems Theory: The Dharma of Natural Systems (Suny Series, Buddhist Studies) (Buddhist Studies Series)

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Joanna Macy cuts through the nonsense dispensed in thing like the the "Tao of Physics" to reveal the real scientific basis of Buddhist concepts. Drawing heavily on Systems theory (cybernetics), she shows that the Buddhist view of the universe as system of ever-changing subsystems in dynamic interaction is not just a scientifically valid view, but a profoundly spiritual one as well. She lights the way to a Buddhism that is no longer dependent on supernaturalism, but yields nothing of its profundity. Her interpretations of traditional Buddhist concepts like no-self and karma are masterful. Every Buddhist should read this book.

I still refer to this book when considering the Wisdom aspect of the Dharma. Although most western published books on Dependence Arising and the related subject of Inherent Emptiness, are written from a Mahayana perspective (Garfield, Napper, Hopkins, et alia) commenting on the philosophy of Nagarjuna or Chandrakirti, Macy's book is based on her Sri Lankan co-operative experience and the language is Pali rather than Sanskrit. Nevertheless, this is the BEST introduction to Dependence Arising by far. It explains the philosophy well, and grounds it in practical experience as well as making connection with the Greek Pre-Socratics. This is not a chickey-horsey-ducky guide, but it does explain the Buddhist view of dependence arising (though not Inherent Emptiness) giving the reader the vocabulary to relate a Buddhist worldview with modern society.

I knew there was some reason I was attracted to both General Systems and Buddhism, and that they had something in common. This book told me why.

Joanna Macy maintains her "scholastic" focus on the task of comparing these two systems of thought throughout the text, and thereby succeeds briliantly in explaining the basic meaning (singlular) of both systems.

I had read a few books on Buddhism and a few books on Systems thinking but was not able to connect the Co-dependent Arising with Systems Thinking. This book does the connection both coherently and cogently. While the book is a difficult read I found the exposition quite enlightening and value-adding. I highly recommend the book for serious buddhist enthusiasts as well as systems thinkers.