An Introduction to Buddhist Psychology

Description

An Introduction to Buddhist Psychology is a lucid, intelligible and authentic introduction to the foundations of Buddhist psychology. It provides comprehensive coverage of the basic concepts and issues in the psychology of Buddhism and thus it deals with the nature of psychological inquiry, concepts of mind, consciousness and behaviour, motivation, emotions, perception, and the therapeutic structure of Buddhist psychology. For the fourth edition, a new chapter on 'emotional intelligence' and its relationship with Buddhism has been added.

PADMASIRI DE SILVA was formerly Professor and Head of Philosophy and Psychology Department at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (1980-89). He also held visiting positions at the University of Pittsburgh and the ISLE programme in the USA, the National University of Singapore and the University of Waikato. He was Co-ordinator of the IRC Programme 'Environment, Ethics and Education' in Singapore. Currently he is Research Fellow at Monash University. His publications include Environmental Philosophy and Ethics in Buddhism, Buddhist and Freudian Psychology, Tangles and Webs, Twin Peaks: Compassion and Insight, as well as numerous articles in journals and anthologies.

Reviews of the third edition: 'Professor de Silva's familiarity with Western psychology and philosophy, along with his deep knowledge of Theravadan traditions gives his work [an] informed balance between ancient wisdom and modern thought. This new edition of his book brings contemporary philosophy of mind together with a clear account of early Buddhist texts. It is an authoritative work that will be welcomed by scholars from both Buddhist and Western traditions.' - John Pickering, Department of Psychology, University of Warwick 'An Introduction to Buddhist Psychology is a groundbreaking work, stunning in its lucidity and sweeping in its vision. Professor de Silva has been an intellectual pioneer for decades, and this new edition of his most important work treats the reader to the sustained reflections of a senior scholar. I recommend it not only to academics, but to all who are interested in spirituality, alterative therapies, and personal growth.' - Nathan Katz, Department of Religious Studies, Florida International University Review of current edition: 'In print for a remarkable 25 years, this UK-published core text on Buddhist psychology now appears in its fourth edition, with a new chapter on emotion theory and therapy.' - Higher Education Supplement, The Australian