Originally developed for use in introductory courses on Eastern
religious traditions, this popular anthology offers a selection of
readings from primary texts of India, China, and Japan.
The selections are arranged both chronologically and thematically within
religious traditions and include readings from Hinduism, Jainism,
Buddhism (including Tibetan Buddhism), Sikhism, Early Chinese thought,
Confuciansiim, Taoism, Mao Tse Tung, Shintoism, and Japan's new
religions (Tenrikyo and Sokka Gakkai). Throughout the anthology, an
effort has been made to present more than the usual short excerpts. As
much as possible larger excerpts have been included to give students a
better sense of significant developments within traditions. As well,
doctrinal elements have been combined with story to make these
traditions more than museum pieces for students.
For the second edition, the editors have added excerpts and have written
introductions that provide a more comprehensive context for the
readings. A section on Chan / Zen and excerpts from the writings of Ge
Hong, representing the central concerns of Daoism, are included. A
section on modern China includes a poem written by Mao, exhibiting his
Daoist sensibilities. A revised chapter on Buddhism presents the voices
of modern Buddhist writers, including the Dalai Lama. Throughtout the
volume, reflections on the role of women in Eastern religions, as well
as women's voices themselves, are added.
