Asian Religions A Cultural Perspective [Paperback]

This lively introduction offers a complete overview of the main Asian religions, their traditions and contemporary relevance, and how they are lived and practiced today.

• Provides readers with an all-embracing introduction to Asian religions, covering each of the main traditions in a style that is lively and distinctive
• Focuses on Asian religions as lived and practiced by real people, leading readers to a deeper understanding of Asian spiritualities and traditions, and their contemporary relevance
• Uses exercises, activities, and an appealing mixture of examples, such as novels, throughout the book, to both inform and engage readers
• Employs a comparative approach, highlighting the contrasts between Asian and Western modes of thinking and living
• Debates the influence of religion on real-world issues including work, economic growth, the environment, human rights, and gender relations
• Written by an acclaimed scholar in this field, who is able to draw on his remarkable knowledge across all relevant religious traditions

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&lc0