On Buddhism
On Buddhismpresents the first English-language translation of a series of lectures by Keiji Nishitani (1900–1990), a major Buddhist thinker and a key figure in the Kyoto School of Japanese philosophy. Originally delivered in the early 1970s, these lectures focus on the transformation of culture in the modern age and the subsequent decline in the importance of the family and religion. Nishitani’s concern is that modernity, with its individualism, materialism, and contractual ethics, is an insufficient basis for human relationships. With deep insight into both Buddhism and Christianity, he explores such issues as the nature of genuine human existence, the major role of conscience in our advance to authenticity, and the needed transformation of religion. Nishitani criticizes contemporary Buddhism for being too esoteric and asks that it "come down from Mt. Hiei" to reestablish itself as a vital source of worthy ideals and to point toward a way of remaining human even in a modern and postmodern world."These lectures throw new light on Buddhism from the vantage point of a philosopher versed in both Japanese and Western thought. They develop some themes not usually discussed in Buddhism, while also presenting other themes and ideas that are discussed in Nishitani’s books but which are much more accessible here." — John C. Maraldo, coeditor ofRude Awakenings: Zen, the Kyoto School, and the Question of Nationalism"Nishitani is one of Buddhism’s wisest modern exponents, and so it’s wonderful to have more of his work available in English, and especially an important yet accessible text like this one." — Graham Parkes, cotranslator of Keiji Nishitani’sThe Self-Overcoming of Nihilism--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.