Pruning the Bodhi Tree: The Storm Over Critical Buddhism

by Jamie Hubbard (Editor), Paul L. Swanson (Editor)

What is Buddhism? According to Hakamaya Noriaki and Matsumoto Shiro, the answer lies in neither Ch'an nor Zen; in neither the Kyoto school of philosophy nor the non-duality taught in the Vimalakirti Sutra. Hakamaya contends that "criticism alone is Buddhism."



This volume introduces and analyzes the ideas of "critical Buddhism" in relation to the targets of its critique and situates those ideas in the context of current discussions of postmodern academic scholarship, the separation of the disinterested scholar and committed religious practitioner, and the place of social activism within the academy.

Essays critical of the received traditions of Buddhist thought--many never before translated--are presented and then countered by the work of respected scholars, both Japanese and Western, who take contrary positions.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion, Philosophy

544 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1997

Reviews

[Taiyosan]

This is a book best used for reference, although reading it straight thru or even hopping to different chapters is fine and informative; however, it is a well articulated report on the events of the late 80's and early 90's in a movement questioning 'Buddha Nature'. As a reference book, it is outstanding and the notes on each chapter can lead the reader thru an amazing amount of material located at any good university library. For the practitioner that wants to dig deeper into the basic beliefs and practices of Mahayana buddhism - this is an excellent source to begin that digging.

[Jessica Zu]

need to be read together with Prof. Jacqueline Stone's review.

[Anttoni]

Contains the essential points one needs to know about the movement "Critical Buddhism".
Although said movement has apparently declined over the 20+ years since "Pruning the Bodhi Tree" was published, the questions and arguments it presents are still salient for those with a deeper interest in Buddhism, be that a scholarly, religious or a way of life interest.

[Phil]

Another way to rouse Great Doubt.

[Oliver Zielke]

Buddha Nature is Impecabbly Buddhist-Sallie B. King