Buddhist Cosmology: Philosophy and Origins (Paperback)

~ Akira Sadakata (Author), Hajime Nakamura (Author)
Key Phrases: first dhyana, second dhyána, four great kings, Mount Sumeru, Pure Land, Lotus Repository World (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This extensively researched and illustrated volume offers Western readers a rare introduction to Buddhism's complex and fascinating views about the structure of the universe. The book begins by clearly explaining classical cosmology, with its symmetrical, India-centered universe and multitudinous heavens and hells, and illuminates the cosmos's relation to the human concerns of karma, transmigration, and enlightenment. It moves on to discuss the Mahayana conception of the universe as a lotus flower containing uncountable realms, each with its own buddha. Then, examining changes in the notions of hell and the gods, the author traces Buddhism's gradual shift from a religion to a mythology. Throughout, treatment of Buddhism's historical, geographical, and doctrinal origins complements detailed cosmological descriptions. Finally, the author shows us how this ancient philosophy resembles the modern scientific view of the cosmos, and how even today it can help us lead more fulfilling lives.

From the Inside Flap

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Kosei Publishing Company (April 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4333016827
• ISBN-13: 978-4333016822
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #765,881 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Detailed, to say the least, December 5, 1999

By	Sean Hoade (South Bend, IN) - See all my reviews

The author does an excellent job of making clear what the ancient Buddhists thought about the structure of the universe. The only lack the book really has is that of perspective, leaving one to wonder what this has to say about modern Buddhism in the face of cosmological advances, but the author makes up for this in the book's masterful final chapter.

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique and detailed handbook with a ton of info!, February 18, 2009

By	Ted Biringer "Author of The Flatbed Sutra of ... (Anacortes, Washington United States) - See all my reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique and detailed handbook with a ton of info!, August 28, 2008

Anyone interested in an reference book that provides an extensive overview of Buddhist Cosmology need look no further!

Beginning with an overview of the pre-Buddhist landscape of India, this book explores, and details how the "universe" of Buddhism arose, and developed throughout the history of Buddhism. With a plethora of illustrations, diagrams and photos, the whole variety of Buddhist Cosmology is offered at the turn of a page.

This book, presents, defines, and explains the development of a wide variety of Buddhist universal elements including heavens and hells, Bodhisattvas, Buddhas, Devas. The various "worlds" and "realms" of Buddhism, along with its beings-sentient and insentient-are described and explained in one coherent and accssible volume.

Great Job!

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique and detailed handbook with a ton of info!, August 28, 2008

By	Ted Biringer "Author of The Flatbed Sutra of ... (Anacortes, Washington United States) - See all my reviews

Anyone interested in an reference book that provides an extensive overview of Buddhist Cosmology need look no further!

Beginning with an overview of the pre-Buddhist landscape of India, this book explores, and details how the "universe" of Buddhism arose, and developed throughout the history of Buddhism. With a plethora of illustrations, diagrams and photos, the whole variety of Buddhist Cosmology is offered at the turn of a page.

This book, presents, defines, and explains the development of a wide variety of Buddhist universal elements including heavens and hells, Bodhisattvas, Buddhas, Devas. The various "worlds" and "realms" of Buddhism, along with its beings--sentient and insentient--are described and explained in one coherent and accssible volume.

Great Job!