Awakening: An Introduction to the History of Eastern Thought

Ideal for readers with little or no previous knowledge of the subject, this book provides an exceptionally complete overview of the historical development of the major Eastern traditions of religious and philosophical thought (in India, China, and Japan.). The book uses an engaging style that is filled with anecdotes, analogies, definitions, comparisons, and supporting quotes from primary and secondary sources. It guides learners in recognizing the interrelationships that exist among the various systems, appreciating the relevance of these traditions to the concerns of modern times, and understanding the major issues of interpretation regarding these systems. The traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism are broad umbrellas that include a number of specific schools, each of which is treated individually. Other schools–such as Confucianism, Daoism, and Shinto–are brought into the story at the appropriate place. Owing to the current high degree of interest in the subject, the historical development of Zen Buddhism receives a bit more attention that the other traditions. For anyone new to the study, and excited by the idea, of Eastern thought.