An Introduction to Mahāyāna Buddhism

With especial Reference to Chinese and Japanese Phases

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Ethnic Studies, Religion & Spirituality, Eastern Religions, Buddhism, Reference & Language, Reference
Cover of the book An Introduction to Mahāyāna Buddhism by William M McGovern, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: William M McGovern ISBN: 9781136913143
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: October 18, 2010
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: William M McGovern
ISBN: 9781136913143
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: October 18, 2010
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

William Montgomery McGovern’s Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism was one of the first books on Mahayana Buddhism written for a Western audience. It predates influential English language overviews of Buddhism by D. T. Suzuki, A. Watts, and W. Rahula. The author was born in New York City in 1897 and spent his latter teenage years (1914-1917) training at the Nishi Hongwanji Mahayana Buddhist monastery in Kyoto, Japan. He founded the Mahayana Association at age eighteen and edited and published the journal "Mahayanist" while completing his studies at the monastery. Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism was written as part of a thesis which secured him his Buddhist degree and an honorary ordination as a Buddhist priest. Intended as a simplified and introductory text for a lay audience, the book reflects the unique perspective of a Westerner trained in Japan at a time when Mahayana Buddhism was little known in the West. Referencing Buddhist literature, it gives a short history of Buddhism and the divergence of schools of Buddhist philosophy, introduces the four noble truths, the philosophy of Karma, the nature of Buddhahood, reincarnation and the road to nirvana, Buddhist cosmology, and psychological and philosophical elements of Buddhist teachings. Although the divisions of non Mahayana Buddhist sects and philosophy described may be considered dated, Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism remains significant for its historical value in presenting Eastern religious and philosophical thought to Westerners at a pivotal time in history.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

William Montgomery McGovern’s Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism was one of the first books on Mahayana Buddhism written for a Western audience. It predates influential English language overviews of Buddhism by D. T. Suzuki, A. Watts, and W. Rahula. The author was born in New York City in 1897 and spent his latter teenage years (1914-1917) training at the Nishi Hongwanji Mahayana Buddhist monastery in Kyoto, Japan. He founded the Mahayana Association at age eighteen and edited and published the journal "Mahayanist" while completing his studies at the monastery. Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism was written as part of a thesis which secured him his Buddhist degree and an honorary ordination as a Buddhist priest. Intended as a simplified and introductory text for a lay audience, the book reflects the unique perspective of a Westerner trained in Japan at a time when Mahayana Buddhism was little known in the West. Referencing Buddhist literature, it gives a short history of Buddhism and the divergence of schools of Buddhist philosophy, introduces the four noble truths, the philosophy of Karma, the nature of Buddhahood, reincarnation and the road to nirvana, Buddhist cosmology, and psychological and philosophical elements of Buddhist teachings. Although the divisions of non Mahayana Buddhist sects and philosophy described may be considered dated, Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism remains significant for its historical value in presenting Eastern religious and philosophical thought to Westerners at a pivotal time in history.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Opposite Sexes by William M McGovern
Cover of the book The History and Literature of Christianity by William M McGovern
Cover of the book Bereavement Support Group Program for Children by William M McGovern
Cover of the book The Formulation of EU Foreign Policy by William M McGovern
Cover of the book Cross-cultural Communication by William M McGovern
Cover of the book Urban Design Futures by William M McGovern
Cover of the book Parents and Family Planning Services by William M McGovern
Cover of the book The Women Who Knew Too Much by William M McGovern
Cover of the book Islamic Civilization in South Asia by William M McGovern
Cover of the book Too Many Lawyers? by William M McGovern
Cover of the book The Emergence of Israel in Ancient Palestine by William M McGovern
Cover of the book The Right of the Child to a Clean Environment by William M McGovern
Cover of the book Mathematics in Aristotle by William M McGovern
Cover of the book Filming the Gods by William M McGovern
Cover of the book Psychoanalytic Therapy and the Gay Man by William M McGovern
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy