Asian Religions: A Cultural Perspective

This all–embracing introduction to Asian religious practices and beliefs takes a unique approach; not only does it provide a complete overview of the basic tenets of the major Asian religions, but it also demonstrates how Asian spiritualities are lived and practiced, exploring the meaning and significance they hold for believers. In a series of engaging and lively chapters, the book explores the beliefs and practices of Confucianism, Taoism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Japanese religions, including Shinto. Using a comparative approach, it highlights the contrasts between Asian and Western modes of thinking and living, and debates the influence of religion on real–world issues including work, economic growth, the environment, human rights, and gender relations. Nadeau, a leading figure in this field, takes an empathetic approach to Asian religious and cultural traditions, and considers Asian spiritualities to be viable systems of belief for today’s global citizens. Integrating exercises, activities, and an appealing mixture of examples, such as novels and biographies, this refreshing book leads readers to an enhanced understanding of the ideas and practice of Asian religions, and of their continuing relevance today.

List of Figures vii Preface ix Part I Introductory Material 1 1 Religion 3 2 Language 11 Part II The Confucian Tradition 19 3 Defining “Religion”: The Confucian Response 21 4 The Religious Dimensions of Confucianism 28 5 The Self as a Center of Relationships 36 6 Learning to Be Human 44 7 The Lasting Influence of Confucianism in Modern East Asia 51 Part III The Taoist Tradition 59 8 What Is Taoism? 61 9 Philosophical Taoism 68 10 Temporal Dimensions of Yin–Yang Cosmology 76 11 Spatial Dimensions of Yin–Yang Cosmology 82 12 Personal Dimensions of Yin–Yang Cosmology 90 13 Taoism as a Global Religious Phenomenon 96 Part IV The Hindu Tradition 103 14 What Is Hinduism? 105 15 Karma–marga 111 16 Jñâna–marga 117 17 Bhakti–marga 123 18 Hinduism in the Modern World 133 Part V The Theravâda Buddhist Tradition 139 19 Buddhism and the Buddha 141 20 Suffering and Its Causes 149 21 Buddhist Ethics 156 22 The Fruits of Meditation 164 23 Monastic Practice 171 Part VI The Mahâyâna Buddhist Tradition 179 24 Faith 181 25 Principles of Zen Buddhism 189 26 Buddhism as a Global Religion 199 Part VII Japanese Religions 207 27 Japanese Religion and Culture 209 28 Shrine Shintô: Dimensions of Sacred Time and Space in Japan 218 29 Dimensions of Religion in Modern Japan 227 Part VIII Conclusions 237 30 “Religion” and the Religions 239 Appendix: Suggestions for Further Reading 246 Glossary 255 Index 260

Randall L. Nadeau is Professor of Religion and Department Chair at Trinity University. He has served on the board of the Society for the Study of Chinese Religion, and as chair of the Chinese Religions Group of the American Academy of Religion. He is the editor of The Blackwell Companion to Chinese Religions (2012), and author of Confucianism and Taoism , a volume in the 6 volume reference work Introduction to The World’s Major Religions (2009).