1st Edition
The Notion of Ditthi in Theravada Buddhism The Point of View
The notion of 'view' or 'opinion' (ditthi) as an obstacle to 'seeing things as they are' is a central concept in Buddhist thought. This book considers the two ways in which the notion of views are usually understood. Are we to understand right-view as a correction of wrong-views (the opposition understanding) or is the aim of the Buddhist path the overcoming of all views, even right-view (the no-views understanding)? The author argues that neither approach is correct. Instead he suggests that the early texts do not understand right-view as a correction of wrong-view, but as a detached order of seeing, completely different from the attitude of holding to any view, wrong or right.
Biography
Paul Fuller is currently doing research for the University of Bristol, from which he has recently received his PhD.
'The authors immaculate references to primary sources and secondary literature are well chosen and contain good pointers for reflection and stimulants for further research.' - JRAS, Series 3, Volume 16
'This book is rich in content.' - Karel Werner, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London