Early Buddhism as Philosophy of Existence: Freedom and Death

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The Buddha was what today is called an empirical philosopher, taking his philosophy from careful study of the empirical world, and rejecting high flown philosophies. As philosophy of existence, his view overlaps with Marx in his most interesting form, which is not the way Marx is typically understood. Marx was reduced to economics while the Buddha was reduced to religion. Many shared his view, including Dostoevsky, Proust, and Victor Hugo. Death is present in such views. But they are not recognized as philosophy.

Reviews

The strength of this book is its interdisciplinary nature. Babbitt fuses her knowledge of world literature and world philosophies with her experience of vipassan Buddhist meditation in the West, most particularly its message about seeing things as they are, both within oneself and in the world. The result is a novel and challenging exploration into the way in which Buddhist concepts converge with and speak to existential themes present in our global literary and philosophical heritage.Elizabeth Harris, Department of Theology and Religion, Honorary Fellow, Edward Cadbury Centre, University of Birmingham, UK

The book offers a powerful meditation on the ways in which key aspects of Buddhist philosophy bear on and challenge philosophical liberalism using arguments and insights that derive from the uniquely positioned, embodied knowledge of the author herself. The books experiential emphasis is fresh, interesting and intellectually boundary-crossing, coming from a professional philosopher. The authors use of literary examples combines with an accessible yet poetic narrative style to create a text that invites readers to reflect on some of the most important ideas and questions of our day while offering new (and liberating) views of the relation between human death and human freedom.Lauren Leve, Associate Professor, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA

I dont know anyone who has described more movingly what it is to live in the shadow of death. I am grateful to have known her, and take inspiration from her truthfulness, humility and calm acceptance. William Hart, Editor, Translator, Writer and Teacher; Author of The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation as Taught by S. N. Goenka

Author Bio

Susan E. Babbitt is author of four books in philosophy and one edited collection. She has practised Vipassana meditation for 16 years.