Striking a Balance A Primer in Traditional Asian Values

by Brannigan, Michael C.

• ISBN13: 9780739138458
• ISBN10: 0739138456
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-11-25
• Publisher: Lexington Books

Summary

Striking a Balance: A Primer in Traditional Asian Values offers a lucid, thoughtful, and thoroughly engaging review of the major ethical teachings in the dominant Asian traditions. Michael C. Brannigan applies his extensive background and scholarship to craft a concise yet comprehensive introduction to Asian ethics covering the long-standing traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. He does this through the skillful use of narratives from classical and contemporary Asian literature. Moreover, he demonstrates that, despite differences, these traditions share a unifying theme in their principal ethical teachings - cultivating balance is the fundamental building block for inner harmony, moral activity, and a just society. Through historical overview and discussion of essential ethical themes, Striking Balance presents the rich texture of traditional Asian moral teachings in ways that are appealing, instructive, and enlightening. The work presupposes no prior knowledge of ethics or of Asian traditions and is ideal for all who are interested in learning more about Asian cultures and moral teachings. It is also an invaluable text for students at the introductory as well as upper levels in ethics, Asian studies, philosophy, religion, and humanities.

Author Biography

Michael C. Brannigan is the George and Jane Pfaff Endowed Chair in Ethics and Moral Values at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York.

Table of Contents

Preface to Revised Edition	p. ix
Acknowledgments for the Revised Edition	p. xi
Introduction	p. xiii
Hindu Ethics	p. 1
Background	p. 3
Life's Four Stages	p. 9
Life's Four Goals	p. 11
Paths to Enlightenment	p. 18
Karma and Rebirth	p. 22
Shades of Dharma	p. 24
Review Questions	p. 36
Notes	p. 37
Buddhist Ethics	p. 41
Background	p. 42
The Middle Path	p. 48
The Four Noble Truths	p. 51
In the Wake of Karma	p. 62
The Four Supreme Virtues	p. 65
What Is a Buddhist Social Ethic?	p. 71
Review Questions	p. 82
Notes	p. 82
Zen Buddhist Ethics	p. 87
Background	p. 90
A Way of the Monk: Practice IS Attainment	p. 98
A Way of the Warrior	p. 106
A Way of Tea: The Virtue of Presence	p. 114
Review Questions	p. 123
Notes	p. 124
Taoist Ethics	p. 129
Background	p. 131
Cultivating the Tao	p. 137
The Art of Yielding: Wu-wei	p. 145
Spontaneity as Awareness	p. 153
Fasting of the Mind	p. 156
Review Questions	p. 162
Notes	p. 162
Confucian Ethics	p. 167
Background	p. 168
Lessons from the Analects	p. 175
Human Nature: Is It Essentially Good or Corrupt?	p. 183
Seeking the Right Balance in Neo-Confucianism	p. 191
A Return to Ako: Japanese Neo-Confucianism	p. 197
Capitalism and Human Rights	p. 199
Review Questions	p. 204
Notes	p. 204
Bibliography	p. 209
Index	p. 215
About the Author	p. 231
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