Buddhist Concepts Old and New

"BUDDHISM is not merely a Religion; it is also a whole civilisation with its historical background, its literature, art and Philosophy, its Institutions, social, political and educational and its code of ethical conduct."

In this book are selected Essays and Talks of four Stalwarts in the field of Buddhistic Studies from different parts of the world-Japan, Ceylon and America.

True to its name the Book gives the old and new concepts of Buddhists right from the Fountain Head, the Great Enlightened One of the Sakya Clan down to the hundreds of thinkers who have shed light on his views in their elaborate thesis whether in Sanskrit, Pali or other languages.

In the course of the last 2,500 years Buddhism has captured the hearts and the brains of millions of people outside India the place of its origin. Of course the impact of Buddhistic concepts on Indian Philosophy is unique. No system of philosophy in India too, for gets the tenets of Buddhism in its polemical literature.

The late Dr. Malalesekera who exhibited his capacity for the Organization of the World Fellowship of Buddhists had given many talks on Buddhism over Radio Ceylon in 1943. These Broadcasts shed light on the various aspects of the Lord Buddha's message and the canonical literature of the Buddhistic Religion.

Dr. Kurt Leidecker, a recognized Indologist gave many lectures in Thailand and elsewhere. Eight of them have been included here. His talks on the Practice of the Dhamma, Buddhism in a Democratic World. The Meaning of Ignorance in Buddhism etc. can be considered his best. They will have a permanent place in the vast literature now gathering round Buddhistic views of life and ethics.

Dr. Ichimura comes from a place where Buddhism is a living religion. His views on Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism and Buddhistic Thoughts on the relationship between Religion and Logical thinking are worthy of careful study.

Finally the Editor's essays on the Buddha's gospel of love, peace and happiness. The Wheel of Life, Buddhism and the Notion of God are to be studied carefully and pondered over. Dr. Kirthisinghe's work in the field of Buddhistic studies extends over a period of three decades. Scholars in South and South East Asia have welcomed his contribution in the field of Theological and Philosophical studies.

Sample Pages