Understanding Eastern Philosophy [Paperback]

Ray Billington (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415129656 | ISBN-13: 978-0415129657 | Publication Date: October 1, 1997 | Edition: 1

Understanding Eastern Philosophy provides an accessible critical introduction to how some of the key philosophies of the East compare with those in the West. Starting from a discussion of the problems of distinguishing between religions and philosophies, Ray Billington presents a clear picture of the key tenets behind Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Jainism and Confucianism.
Moving on to compare the key themes of religious philosophy that cut across East and West, such as a belief in God, the soul, moral decision-making, nature and authority, Understanding Eastern Philosophy presents a fascinating and controversial picture of the contribution theistic religions have to make. With its belief in a personal God bestowing a particular version of 'truth', Ray Billington concludes that the universal mysticism characteristic of Eastern thought provides a more realistic and rewarding path than is commonly supposed in the West.
Understanding Eastern Philosophy assumes no prior knowledge of religion or philosophy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A fresh approach to Eastern philosophies ... a very stimulating account.' - Network --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Ray Billington was a Methodist minister until he was expelled in 1971 for heresy. He has since taught Eastern and Western philosophy at various universities in the US and UK and now teaches at the University of the West of England. He is the author of numerous books including Living Philosophy, 2nd edition (Routledge 1994) and East of Existentialism (Routledge 1990).

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415129656
• ISBN-13: 978-0415129657
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,346,870 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Eastern Delights, January 10, 2000

By 

Ury Slobodov - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Eastern Philosophy (Paperback)

It is the second book I read about the eastern philosophy after " The Tao of Pooh ". This book is a concise review of the main eastern religions and schools of thought including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Zen,Confucianism, Yin and Yang school and a few others. It is not an easy book to read but after all it's written rather clearly. One of the main problems is the abundance of the new terms that the writer uses all the time after explaining them once but it's not that difficult to get used to and it actually makes you remember all these new terms. A very nice thing about the book is it's last chapters in which Billington discusses various philosophical and religious issues using the new knowledge we the readers have about the eastern schools of thought. In these chapters the writer also mentions western philosophers and western religions and their attitudes to the same issues. In conclusion it is not an easy to read book but it's worth the effort and gives a very nice and concise review of the eastern philosophy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read, August 22, 2011

By 

Manas Asthana - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Understanding Eastern Philosophy (Paperback)

I think this is a must read for anyone interested in eastern philosophy. It does not get into religion but the philosophical aspects of eastern religions. A very well writting book which cuts through all the commercial crap that religions have come to be associated with and digs into the actual meaning/teachings/philosophy. I have read this book twice already and everytime there is something new that I learn...Highly recommended.