Awakening: An Introduction to the History of Eastern Thought

Provides an overview of the historical development of Eastern traditions of religious and philosophical thought.

Awakening: An Introduction to the History of Eastern Thought engages students with anecdotes, primary and secondary sources, an accessible writing style, and a clear historical approach.

The text focuses on India, China, and Japan, while showing the relationships that exist between Eastern and Western traditions. Patrick Bresnan consistently links the past to the present, so students may see that Eastern traditions, however ancient their origins, are living traditions and relevant to modern times.

Learning Goals

Upon completing this book readers will be able to:

• Recognize the relationships among the traditions being taught
• Appreciate the relevance of these traditions to modern times
• Understand the major issues of interpretation regarding the traditions
• Speculate about the future of each tradition
• Evaluate the pros and cons of conflicting teachings

Note: MySearchLab does not come automatically packaged with this text. To purchase MySearchLab, please visit:www.mysearchlab.com or you can purchase a ValuePack of the text + MySearchLab (at no additional cost): ValuePack ISBN-10: 0205887775 / ValuePack ISBN-13: 9780205887774.

Ideal for readers with little or no previous knowledge of the subject, this book provides an exceptionally complete overview of the historical development of the major Eastern traditions of religious and philosophical thought (in India, China, and Japan). Broadly chronological in organization and using an engaging style that is filled with anecdotes, analogies, definitions, comparisons, and supporting quotes from primary and secondary sources -- it guides readers in recognizing the interrelationships that exist among the various systems, appreciating the relevance of these traditions to the concerns of modern times, and understanding the major issues of interpretation regarding these systems. Surveys the full range of Eastern thought -- the various schools within the Hindu and Buddhist traditions (with significant coverage of Zen Buddhism) as well as Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism. Traces the historical evolution of the major traditions and relates the insights of Hindu and Buddhist traditions to contemporary issues -- in full and open discussions. Explores the common ground shared by Eastern and Western traditions -- using many comparisons and analogies. For those interested in Eastern Philosophy.