200 pp. July 2001
ISBN 978-0-8248-2442-6P
Out of Print
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Keywords: |
Asia
philosophy
religion
Buddhism
textbook |
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Skillful Means: The Heart of Buddhist Compassion
by John W. Schroeder
Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy Monograph 18
Available by print on demand via Lightning Source
"This book challenges us to rethink the most basic assumptions we hold about Buddhist philosophy." --Religious Studies Review 28 (2002)
This book analyzes one of the most important ideas in Buddhist philosophy: the doctrine of "skillful means." John Schroeder presents a fresh analysis of a familiar subject, thus providing a new way of understanding Buddhist thought. He argues that Buddhism is best understood as a philosophy of practice--or a "metapraxis"--and that terms such as "emptiness," "non-self," and "nirvana" refer less to metaphysical principles than to skillful teachings that help people cultivate compassion and mindfulness. Each section of the book focuses on a debate over philosophical justification and the problem of trying to establish a fixed doctrine in Buddhism and reveals an on-going debate that is central to the various Buddhist traditions throughout Asia.Skillful Means investigates both the philosophical and religious dimensions of Buddhism. It explores the role of meditations and spiritual methodology in the various schools of Buddhism and offers a critical, philosophical analysis of how liberation is conceived by important Buddhist thinkers. It is therefore useful not only for Buddhist scholars, but also for students enrolled in courses in Buddhist philosophy and religion. Foreword by Thomas P. Kasulis
John W. Schroeder is assistant professor of philosophy at St. Mary's College of Maryland.
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