Treasures of Buddhism A New Translation with Selected Letters

In his classic work on the subject, perennialist author Frithjof Schuon explores the vast and varied landscape that is Buddhism. Every reader interested in Buddhism from whatever angle will here find much that speaks to his or her condition. Schuon presents Buddhism not as an historical artifact of the past but as a living spiritual force. In describing the essentials of Buddhism, he frequently makes use of comparisons with other traditions, including Western religious thought. The rich and diverse world of Buddhist art—from its statuary to the tea ceremony—is a subject treated with particular importance. A valuable section on Shinto, the indigenous Japanese tradition of the “way of the gods”, concludes the book. This revised edition, containing over 75 pages of new material, features a fully revised translation from the French original as well as previously unpublished selections from Schuon's letters and other private writings. Also included is an editor's preface, editor's notes, a glossary of foreign terms and phrases, an index, and biographical notes.

Frithjof Schuon (1907-1998) is best known as the foremost spokesman of the Perennial Philosophy. A gifted artist and poet as well as the author of over twenty books on religion, metaphysics, sacred art, and the spiritual path, Schuon's books have been translated into over a dozen languages and are respected by academic and religious authorities alike.

Harry Oldmeadow was Coordinator of Philosophy and Religious Studies at La Trobe University Bendigo, Australia, until his recent retirement. He is a well-respected authority on the Perennialist school of comparative religion and the author of Frithjof Schuon and the Perennial Philosophy. He lives in Bendigo, Australia.

Editor's Preface

Part I: Treasures of Buddhism

Treasures of Buddhism

Originality of Buddhism

Message and Messenger

The Question of Illusion

Cosmological and Eschatological Viewpoints

Insights into Zen

Elementary Remarks on the Enigma of the Koan

Nirvana

Christianity and Buddhism

Mystery of the Bodhisattva

Synthesis of the Paramitas

A Note on the Feminine Element in Mahayana

Dharmakara's Vow

Part II: Buddhism's Ally in Japan: Shinto

Initial Remarks

The Meaning of the Ancestors

Mythology of Shinto

Virtues and Symbols of Shinto

Appendix:

Selections from Letters and Other Writings

Editor's Notes

Glossary of Foreign Terms and Phrases

Index

Biographical Notes

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