Eastern Philosophy is
the most ancient form of thought known to
man, predating Western philosophy by some
centuries. Dissatisfaction with materialism
is turning Westerners towards the integrated
approach of Eastern thought, but often in
a vague and generalized form.
Introducing Eastern Philosophy focuses on
India and China, the two oldest and most influential
origins of Eastern thought. It brilliantly
elucidates the complex schools of Hindu philosophy,
the offshoots of Indian Buddhism, the traditions
of Confucius and the Tao in China, and demonstrates
their fundamental differences from Western
notions of truth. It makes clear the Eastern
view of ultimate reality, the emphasis on
selfless ethics and the quest for Enlightenment,
and shows how these ideas are set in a cosmic
whole in contrast to the Western individual
and scientific perspective.This is the ideal
guide for the Western reader to the historical
and philosophical basis of Eastern cultures.
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Richard Osborne teaches philosophy and cultural
studies at Camberwell College of Art, University
of Arts, London.
Borin
Van Loon is an illustrator, surrealist painter
and collagist who produces the comic strip
'The Severed Head' fot The Chap magazine.
