Mutual Causality in Buddhism and General Systems Theory: The Dharma of Natural System (Buddhist Studies Series) (Paperback)

~ Joanna R. Macy (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: State University of New York Press (July 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791406377
• ISBN-13: 978-0791406373
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #186,789 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The real science in Buddhism, February 22, 2000

By	Brian C. Holly "Brian" (Pittsburgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews

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.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dependence Arising...The Wheel of Life, April 16, 2004

By	Diana Clark (Danville, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Here's why Buddhism is a better Meme than Scientism., January 2, 1998

By	Jim Williams (Medford, MA USA) - See all my reviews

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.