BOOK REVIEW BOOK REVIEW An Approach to Buddhist Social Philosophy

Abstract

This book name is AN APPROACH TO BUDDHIST SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY, indeed, given a comprehensive and lucid exposition on Buddhist Philosophy and has enriched the annals of Buddhist literature. The author has been able to gather the fruits of both oriental and occidental learning, and he abundantly makes use of both experiences. Being a Buddhaputra, he has not forgotten the Enlightened one’s advice to the kālama, beseeching them to analyze whatever is placed before them, fi nd reasons for such things and
Author: Ven. Pategama Gnanarama Publisher: Buddhist and Pali College of Singapore, Singapore, 1996, 2005, 2012, Pages: 263.
118 The Journal of The International Buddhist Studies College The Journal of The International Buddhist Studies College accept them thereafter. The writer has included this advice to the kālamas in his book following it very carefully and fi nding space for it to be utilized under the scientific method where such advice correctly belongs. The collection of essays covers various aspects of the Buddhist social philosophy, beginning with social dimension in Buddhist philosophy. This book include varied topic a such as victimless crimes, war and peace and social harmony, social norms and values, social stratifi cation and socialization as well as the Buddhist attitude towards poverty. The beauty of the essays lies in the varied subject areas around which they are woven, the authority of the data patiently collected and the simple manner and style in which the essays are presented. I believe that, a scholar as well as a simple layman without much education would easily read an derive both pleasure and knowledge from this book.