An Introduction to Buddhist Psychology

by Kenneth A. Loparo

Overview

An Introduction to Buddhist Psychology is a lucid, intelligible and authentic introduction to the foundations of Buddhist psychology. It provides comprehensive coverage of the basic concepts and issues in the psychology of Buddhism and thus it deals with the nature of psychological inquiry, concepts of mind, consciousness and behaviour, motivation, emotions, perception, and the therapeutic structure of Buddhist psychology. For the fourth edition, a new chapter on 'emotional intelligence' and its relationship with Buddhism has been added.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781403992451
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	10/14/2005
Series:	Library of Philosophy and Religion
Edition description:	4th ed. 2005
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.02(d)

About the Author

PADMASIRI DE SILVA was formerly Professor and Head of Philosophy and Psychology Department at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (1980-89). He also held visiting positions at the University of Pittsburgh and the ISLE programme in the USA, the National University of Singapore and the University of Waikato. He was Co-ordinator of the IRC Programme 'Environment, Ethics and Education' in Singapore. Currently he is Research Fellow at Monash University. His publications include Environmental Philosophy and Ethics in Buddhism, Buddhist and Freudian Psychology, Tangles and Webs, Twin Peaks: Compassion and Insight, as well as numerous articles in journals and anthologies.

Table of Contents

Foreword by John Hick Preface to the First Edition Preface to the Second Edition Preface to the Third Edition Preface to the Fourth Edition Basic Features of Buddhist Psychology The Psychology of Cognition Motivation and Emotions Personality Buddhist Psychology and the West: An Encounter Between Therapeutic Systems Health and Sickness in Buddhist Perspective Mind-Body Relationship and Buddhist Contextualism A Holistic Perspective on Emotion Theory and Therapy in Early Buddhism Notes Bibliography Index

What People are Saying About This

John Pickering

Professor De Silva s familiarity with Western psychology and philosophy, along with his deep knowledge of Theravadan traditions gives his work [an] informed balance between ancient wisdom and modern thought. This new edition of his book brings contemporary philosophy of mind together with a clear account of early Buddhist texts. It is an authoritative work that will be welcomed by scholars from both Buddhist and Western traditions.
— John Pickering

Editorial Reviews

Reviews of the third edition:

'Professor de Silva's familiarity with Western psychology and philosophy, along with his deep knowledge of Theravadan traditions gives his work [an] informed balance between ancient wisdom and modern thought. This new edition of his book brings contemporary philosophy of mind together with a clear account of early Buddhist texts. It is an authoritative work that will be welcomed by scholars from both Buddhist and Western traditions.' - John Pickering, Department of Psychology, University of Warwick

'An Introduction to Buddhist Psychology is a groundbreaking work, stunning in its lucidity and sweeping in its vision. Professor de Silva has been an intellectual pioneer for decades, and this new edition of his most important work treats the reader to the sustained reflections of a senior scholar. I recommend it not only to academics, but to all who are interested in spirituality, alterative therapies, and personal growth.' - Nathan Katz, Department of Religious Studies, Florida International University

Review of current edition:

'In print for a remarkable 25 years, this UK-published core text on Buddhist psychology now appears in its fourth edition, with a new chapter on emotion theory and therapy.' - Higher Education Supplement, The Australian

From the Publisher

De Silva (research, Monash U.; formerly, psychology, U. of Peredeniya, Sri Lanka) covers the basic concepts and issues using the Pali scriptures of the Theravada tradition as a foundation. He addresses the nature of psychological inquiry; concepts of mind, consciousness, and behavior; motivation; emotions and percentile; and the therapeutic structure of Buddhist psychology. Includes a new chapter on the mind- body relationship and Buddhist contextualism. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

Professor De Silva’s familiarity with Western psychology and philosophy, along with his deep knowledge of Theravadan traditions gives his work [an] informed balance between ancient wisdom and modern thought. This new edition of his book brings contemporary philosophy of mind together with a clear account of early Buddhist texts. It is an authoritative work that will be welcomed by scholars from both Buddhist and Western traditions.

John Pickering