Bernard Faure Bücher

Dem Buddhismus gelang es, sich den jeweiligen lokalen Kulturen anzupassen und mit ihnen zu verschmelzen ..

Die vierfarbig illustrierten Bände bieten einen übersichtlichen Überblick über die großen Weltreligionen und vermitteln Grundwissen zu Kulturgeschichte, Religion und Philosophie. Ideal für Interessierte und als Geschenkbuch. Die Reihe startet gleichzeitig in mehreren europäischen Ländern.

Exploring the intersection of gender and Buddhism, Bernard Faure examines whether Buddhism serves as a source of liberation or limitation for women. Building on his previous work, he shifts focus from male monastic sexuality to the roles and perceptions of women within Buddhist contexts. Faure challenges common assumptions, suggesting that Buddhism's stance on gender is more complex than typically portrayed, prompting a reevaluation of what is often accepted as a singular understanding of Buddhism.

Exploring the mental universe of Soto Zen master Keizan Jokin, this work delves into the complexities of Chan/Zen Buddhism through a postmodern lens. Rather than presenting Keizan as a singular thinker, Faure illustrates him as a cultural representative, embodying the paradoxes of the Soto school. The narrative contrasts the rationality of Chan/Zen doctrine with the rich, mythical psychological landscape in which Keizan existed, paralleling the experiences of his contemporary, Dante Alighieri.

Examining Chan/Zen from a postmodern perspective, Bernard Faure critiques traditional Orientalist views that either caricature or idealize Eastern thought, revealing overlooked complexities in Chan traditions. He explores how both Western and Eastern assumptions, including those of D. T. Suzuki, have distorted the understanding of Chan. The book discusses the historical influence of Jesuit missionaries, the interplay between Chan and local religions, and key concepts like temporality and self. It serves as a critical introduction to both Buddhist traditions and contemporary human sciences.

Exploring Buddhism's complex relationship with sexuality, this study examines the paradoxes within its teachings from the time of its founder, Xvkyamuni, through to the premodern era. Bernard Faure employs an anthropological lens to highlight the discrepancies between the religion's normative doctrines and the actual practices of its followers, providing a comprehensive overview of this often overlooked aspect of Buddhist discourse.

"Many biographies of the Buddha have been published in the last 150 years, and all claim to describe the authentic life of the historical Buddha. This book, written by one of the leading scholars of Buddhism and Japanese religion, starts from the opposite assumption and argues that we do not yet possess the archival and archeological materials required to compose such a biography: All we have are narratives, not facts. Yet traditional biographies have neglected the literary, mythological, and ritual elements in the life of the Buddha. Bernard Faure aims to bridge this gap and shed light on a Buddha that is not historical but has constituted a paradigm of practice and been an object of faith for 2,500 years. The Thousand and One Lives of the Buddha opens with a criticism of the prevalent historicism before examining the mythological elements in a life of the Buddha no longer constrained by an artificial biographical framework. Once the search for the "historical Buddha" is abandoned, there is no longer any need to limit the narrative to early Indian stories. The life-or lives-of the Buddha, as an expression of the creative imaginations of Buddhists, developed beyond India over the centuries. Faure accordingly shifts his focus to East Asia and, more particularly, to Japan. Finally, he examines recent developments of the Buddha's life in not only Asia but also the modern West and neglected literary genres such as science fiction"-- Provided by publisher

Focusing on the Northern school of early Chan (Zen) Buddhism, this book presents a groundbreaking revision of its history, emphasizing its unique genealogy and doctrinal developments. By challenging established scholarship, it offers new insights into the evolution of this influential strain of Buddhism during the pivotal period around the eighth century.

An ideal introduction to Buddhism for anyone who has unanswered questions about one of the world's largest and most popular religions. A fascinating, short book that challenges us to strip away existing preconceptions we may have about Buddhism Considers questions such as: Can we talk of Buddhism as a unified religion or are there many Buddhisms? Is Buddhism a religion of tolerance and pacifism as many people think? And is Buddhism a religion without god(s), or is it more of a philosophy than a religion? Traces the basic history, beliefs and nature of Buddhism in easy-to-understand language Written by renowned Buddhist scholar, Bernard Faure, it is an ideal introduction for anyone who has unanswered questions about one of the world's largest and most popular religions