Greek Buddha (ebook)

Argumento de Greek Buddha (ebook)

"In Greek Buddha, Beckwith delves into the writings of the Ionian philosopher-skeptic Pyrrho. Beckwith's discoveries, set forth in this elegantly argued book, upend received truths on the philosophical geography of Eurasia. Even the nonspecialist will thrill as Beckwith carefully traces core teachings of Buddhism to the world of Greek thought. Here is a book that is as provocative in its method as in its conclusions. Solid scholarship lives on these pages, and will live, too, in the inevitable debates to which this tour de force will give rise."--S. Frederick Starr, author of Lost Enlightenment

"Greek Buddha is a profoundly thought-provoking work. It is chock full of daring yet substantiated premises, which makes for genuinely exciting reading. Whether or not everyone will accept all of Beckwiths stimulating findings, they will surely come away from their encounter with this remarkable book with a greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of Eurasian history and culture."--Victor H. Mair, University of Pennsylvania

"In Greek Buddha, Beckwith again demonstrates the indebtedness of European culture to the profound interactions that occurred between the ancient peoples of Europe and Asia. Focusing on Pyrrho--founder of the skeptic school of thought--and his contact with early Buddhism, Beckwith weaves a rich tapestry of sources to shed new light on the complex processes of cultural exchange."--Peter B. Golden, professor emeritus, Rutgers University

"This intriguing, interdisciplinary book contains challenging findings that will provoke a reinterpretation of literary and archaeological sources, and fuel discussions and debates among scholars of Asian and European intellectual history, Buddhist experts, comparativists, classicists, and philosophers of all traditions and persuasions. At every step, Beckwiths encyclopedic knowledge of Asian and Western history and culture, and his versatile linguistic skills are masterfully brought together."--Georgios T. Halkias, University of Hong Kong

"Presenting an important and fascinating topic, this books daring arguments leave readers feeling like they are accompanying the author on an against-the-odds adventure. An exciting work by an excellent scholar."--Justin E. H. Smith, Université Paris Diderot0Preface vii
Acknowledgements xv
On Transcription, Transliteration, and Texts xix
Abbreviations xxi
Prologue: Scythian Philosophy: Pyrrho, the Persian Empire, and India 1
Chapter 1 Pyrrho's Thought: Beyond Humanity 22
Chapter 2 No Differentiations: The Earliest Attested Forms of Buddhism 61
Chapter 3 Jade Yoga and Heavenly Dharma: Buddhist Thought in Classical Age China and India 110
Chapter 4 Greek Enlightenment: What the Buddha, Pyrrho, and Hume Argue Against 138
Epilogue: Pyrrho's Teacher: The Buddha and His Awakening 160
Appendix A The Classical Testimonies of Pyrrho's Thought 180
Appendix B Are Pyrrhonism and Buddhism Both Greek in Origin? 218
Appendix C On the Early Indian Inscriptions 226
Endnotes 251
References 257
Index 269