Writing in the language of the new sciences, Herbert Guenther traces the evolution of Buddhist views on cognition and points to their relevance in the contemporary world. The history of Buddhist thought is a unique example of the interplay between reductionism and creativity, between conservatism and innovation, and it is the author's purpose to examine the interaction between these complementary movements. Of decisive importance in this context is the idea of "mind," which Buddhism recognized early on as a process rather than a thing. This recognition marked the transition from structure-oriented thinking to a vigorous process-oriented thinking, which climaxed in the holistic movement known as rDzogs-chen. Based on original texts in the Pali, Tibetan, and Sanskrit languages, the book develops the Buddhist ideas out of the context in which they originated.
- ISBN10 1570626413
- ISBN13 9781570626418
- Publish Date 1 May 2001 (first published 2 September 1989)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Shambhala Publications Inc
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 328
- Language English
- URL https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9781570626418