The Philosophy of Desire in the Buddhist Pali Canon

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Routledge, Dec 31, 2004 - Religion - 288 pages
David Webster explores the notion of desire as found in the Buddhist Pali Canon. Beginning by addressing the idea of a 'paradox of desire', whereby we must desire to end desire, the varieties of desire that are articulated in the Pali texts are examined. A range of views of desire, as found in Western thought, are presented as well as Hindu and Jain approaches. An exploration of the concept of ditthi(view or opinion) is also provided, exploring the way in which 'holding views' can be seen as analogous to the process of desiring. Other subjects investigated include the mind-body relationship, the range of Pali terms for desire, and desire's positive spiritual value. A comparative exploration of the various approaches completes the work.
 

Contents

desire morality and approaches
1
Desire as problematic
7
desire and the transformation of living
11
sources and textual issues
16
Desire in nonBuddhist Indian religion
49
the varieties of desire
90
the dynamics of desire
143
Glossary
206
90
213
Bibliography
215
206
230
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About the author (2004)

David Webster is Lecturer in Religious Studies at the University of Gloucestershire.

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