Nonduality: A Study in Comparative Philosophy [Paperback]

David Loy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1997

Many Western philosophers are poorly informed about the issues involved in non-duality, since this topic is usually associated with various kinds of absolute idealism in the West, or mystical traditions in the East. Increasingly, however, this topic is finding its way into Western philosophical debates. In this "scholarly but leisurely and very readable" ("Spectrum Review") analysis of the philosophies of non-dualism of (Hindu) Vedanta, Mahayana Buddhism, and Taoism, Loy extracts what he calls "a core doctrine" of non-duality of seer and seen from these three worldviews and then applies the doctrine in various ways, including a critique of Derrida's deconstructionism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...clearly written....Accessible and interesting." -- The Key Reporter

"...deserves a close reading by all who are interested in the 'spiritual' traditions of philosophy--East and/or West." -- Philosophy of Religion

"A commendable exercise in comparative philosophy." -- Choice

"A valuable book on a topic that is essential to understanding the most important systems of Eastern thought." -- Buddhist Christian Studies

"An important book tackling one of the central patterns of Asian thinking." -- Religious Studies Review

About the Author

David Loy is a Professor on the Faculty of International Studies at Bunkyo University, Japan. He has been a student of Zen for over twenty years and is a qualified Zen teacher. He has written numerous articles and is the author of LACK AND TRANSCENDENCE: THE PROBLEM OF DEATH AND LIFE IN PSYCHOTHERAPY, EXISTENTIALISM, AND BUDDHISM.

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Humanity Books (November 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573923591
• ISBN-13: 978-1573923590
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #281,323 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From An Undergraduate, July 10, 2001

By 

Aaron Ullrey (East Lansing, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nonduality: A Study in Comparative Philosophy (Paperback)

As an undergraduate student, focusing on Hindu Studies and Indian Philosophy, I wrote my senior thesis on comparative systems of nondualistic philosophy in Indian religion. As I grapppled with the idea of nonduality, trying to wrap my brain around the concept, trying to tie together all I had learned in my studies on Kashmir Shavism, Vedanta, and Tantric Buddhism, I was recommended Loy's book by my professor.

David Loy manages to connect western and eastern philsophy and psychology to create an interpretation of nonduality that resonates with the western mind. Loy strengthens his interpretation by setting out philosophically, steering psychologically, and reinforcing with literature. Loy's book is a delight to read, is easy to understand, and is thought-provoking throughout.

Included in this text is the most complete exposition of nonduality and eastern thought as pertaining to post modern literary theory, dealing mainly with Derrida. Few have attempted to correlate these apparentaly discordant traditions, and I beleive Loy does it best, re-presenting much of his scholarship in previous articles with new twists and interpretations, though never regurgitating old work.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in eastern thought; it makes an excellant introduction for the beginner and a place of growth for the intermediate. The text would also be of great value to anyone teaching eastern thought becuase it is so inclusive and clear-speaking. Its phenomenological-existential edge will make it appealing, breathing life into an amazing topic, which is so often presented in a poor and dry manner.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very important book, February 13, 2002

By 

A. Max König (Tromso Norway) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nonduality: A Study in Comparative Philosophy (Paperback)

I find this book truly amazing and I hope it receives all the attention it deserves. The term "nonduality" is mentioned again and again in books on Buddhism and Eastern philosophy. Here, the author makes an amazing discussion of what nonduality means, as far as word can express this.

This book is not "easy-reading" in all places, but it's very well worth the effort. The chapters on "nondual perception" and "deconstruction of dualism" are absolutely amazing. I have reread this book and parts of it many times, and will have to do so again.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars superb, February 25, 2005

By 

a reader - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nonduality: A Study in Comparative Philosophy (Paperback)

David Loy has done a superb job of being true to the standards of academic comparative philosophy, true to the traditions, and true to direct pointing to transconceptual awareness, all at the same time--which is every bit as rare as it is desperately needed. But then, I would expect nothing less from a philosophy professor who is also a spiritual teacher in the Zen tradition. Don't pass this one up.