This book offers a contemporary philosophy of life drawing upon Buddhist resources from the Vimalakirti Sutra. Among the major themes in this Mahayana Buddhist scripture is the skillful means required to live a healthy and undeluded life. The book adopts that theme as a means of developing a practical approach to contemporary Buddhist life. Following many of the brilliant stories in the sutra, this book attempts to provide clear explanations for the primary Buddhist teachings and the relationships that bind them all together into an inspiring way of living. Among the questions addressed are: who is the Buddha, how is a worldview of change and contingency applicable to current life, what does it mean to claim that there is no permanent self, what are the primary characteristics of an admirable Buddhist life, how is freedom conceived in Buddhism, and how do all of these themes help us address issues that are pressing for us today. Although historical questions do arise in the book, its primary purpose is contemporary and practical, an effort to say clearly how this text helps us stake out a way of living for contemporary, global citizens.
Dale S. Wright is the Gamble Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies and Asian Studies, Emeritus, at Occidental College in Los Angeles. He is the author of numerous books and articles, including Buddhism: What Everyone Needs to Know (R) and The Six Perfections: Buddhism and the Cultivation of Character.
Title: Living Skillfully: Buddhist Philosophy of Life from the Vimalakirti Sutra
Author: Wright, Dale S.
ISBN: 9780197587355
Binding:
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
Publication Date: 2022-01-25
Number of Pages: 176
Weight: 0.3331 kg
Dale Wright' Living Skillfully is a bright gem, totally on its own, with lots of eloquent and practical advice on how to live well-better than well, winning both spiritual and practical success. It is even more enjoyable with the astonishing bonus that it bounces with great insight and commitment off one of the world's great manuals on how to live skillfully, the Teaching of Vimalakirti, an ancient Indian classic on how to make your life a masterpiece 'work of art!' Enjoy this book, and it will give you lasting comfort by your bedside! * Robert Thurman, Columbia University *
The Buddhist path has often been understood as a way to transcend this world, but the Vimalakirti Sutra teaches how to live wisely in it. Living Skillfully skillfully brings those teachings alive for us today. * David Loy, author of Ecodharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis *
The Vimalakirti Sutra is one of the greatest - and most amusing - religious texts of all time. Centered on the exemplary character and insight of the wealthy and uncanny layman Vimalakirti, who transcends all dualities, remaining fully engaged, while unencumbered, in the world, this text couldn't be more relevant for our time. As we have by now come to expect, Dale Wright expounds the text with probing precision and practical insight, reading the ancient words both on their own terms, and in ours. This book is essential reading for all contemporary spiritual practitioners - of any tradition. * Norman Fischer, author of Nature, and When You Greet Me I Bow: Notes and Reflections From a Life in Zen *