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Philosophy of the Buddha
What did the Buddha actually teach? For those seeking an answer to this question and to understand Buddhism as an important part of the world's religious and cultural heritage, Philosophy of the Buddha is an excellent introduction and guide.
The author's purpose is to state the philosophy of Gotama, the man himself, by a careful study of the original records. He cuts through layers of devout and theological speculation - much as higher biblical criticism has done in Christianity - and presents clearly and concisely the real humanly significant roots and permanent values of many aspects of Buddhist thought.
The author's purpose is to state the philosophy of Gotama, the man himself, by a careful study of the original records. He cuts through layers of devout and theological speculation - much as higher biblical criticism has done in Christianity - and presents clearly and concisely the real humanly significant roots and permanent values of many aspects of Buddhist thought.
125 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
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January 4, 2020Alan Watts brought me here.
June 11, 2023
Altered my brain chemistry.
May 26, 2020
Highly recommended
December 8, 2025
A PROVOCATIVE PHILOSOPHICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE BUDDHA'S TEACHING
Archie Bahm (1907-1996) was a professor of philosophy at the University of New Mexico. He wrote many books, such as 'The World's Living Religions,' 'Metaphysics: An Introduction,' 'Yoga for Business Executives and Professional People,' etc.
He wrote in the Preface to this 1958 book, "The purpose of this book is to state the philosophy of Gotama, the man himself, by means of quotations from the Pitakas themselves. This book does not concern itself with the various other Buddhist philosophies constituting the long, devious, profound, and fascinating history of Buddhism, except to challenge their conclusions as attributable to Gotama."
He states, "Gotama's philosophy may be summed up in a simple, clear and obvious principle, which immediately compels belief once it is understood. The principle: Desire for what will not be attained ends in frustration; therefore, to avoid frustration, avoid desiring what will not be obtained." (Pg. 15)
He continues, "If... Gotama's philosophy consists in a single psychological principle, what about the numerous claims that he held such-and-such views relative to various metaphysical problems? Regarding each question put to him, he replied, typically, as follows: Is there, for example, a next life? That, he would say, is not an important issue. Consider the possibilities: If you desire a next life and there is a next life, you have no problem. If you desire a next life and there is no next life, you will be frustrated. If you desire no next life and there is no next life, you have no problem. If you desire no next life and there is a next life, you will be frustrated. In either case... the important issue is not whether there is or is not a next life, but whether or not you are willing to accept things as they will be, however they will be." (Pg. 19)
Later, he notes, "A shorter list of ten questions which Gotama refused to settle appears several times in the suttas... To each he replied ... 'This question is not calculated to profit, is not concerned with the dhamma ... nor to Nirvana. Therefore is it that I express no opinion upon it.'" (Pg. 113)
This is an excellent interpretation of the Buddha's teachings as a 'philosophy'; it may be considered somewhat heterodox/inaccurate by some Buddhists, however.
Archie Bahm (1907-1996) was a professor of philosophy at the University of New Mexico. He wrote many books, such as 'The World's Living Religions,' 'Metaphysics: An Introduction,' 'Yoga for Business Executives and Professional People,' etc.
He wrote in the Preface to this 1958 book, "The purpose of this book is to state the philosophy of Gotama, the man himself, by means of quotations from the Pitakas themselves. This book does not concern itself with the various other Buddhist philosophies constituting the long, devious, profound, and fascinating history of Buddhism, except to challenge their conclusions as attributable to Gotama."
He states, "Gotama's philosophy may be summed up in a simple, clear and obvious principle, which immediately compels belief once it is understood. The principle: Desire for what will not be attained ends in frustration; therefore, to avoid frustration, avoid desiring what will not be obtained." (Pg. 15)
He continues, "If... Gotama's philosophy consists in a single psychological principle, what about the numerous claims that he held such-and-such views relative to various metaphysical problems? Regarding each question put to him, he replied, typically, as follows: Is there, for example, a next life? That, he would say, is not an important issue. Consider the possibilities: If you desire a next life and there is a next life, you have no problem. If you desire a next life and there is no next life, you will be frustrated. If you desire no next life and there is no next life, you have no problem. If you desire no next life and there is a next life, you will be frustrated. In either case... the important issue is not whether there is or is not a next life, but whether or not you are willing to accept things as they will be, however they will be." (Pg. 19)
Later, he notes, "A shorter list of ten questions which Gotama refused to settle appears several times in the suttas... To each he replied ... 'This question is not calculated to profit, is not concerned with the dhamma ... nor to Nirvana. Therefore is it that I express no opinion upon it.'" (Pg. 113)
This is an excellent interpretation of the Buddha's teachings as a 'philosophy'; it may be considered somewhat heterodox/inaccurate by some Buddhists, however.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews