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This book examines Nietzsche's claim that he could be the "Buddha of the West." A close reading of his texts shows substantial similarities with the Buddha's teachings, suggesting a potential basis and a potentially promising future for a Western Buddhism that would be based on Nietzsche's philosophy. The book first provides a brief comparative biography of Nietzsche and the Buddha and then a review of the Buddha's Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path and of what there is in Nietzsche's writings that is his equivalent to those teachings.
While the West often looks to neuroscience to validate the Buddhist teachings and practices, this book suggests it would be better to study Nietzsche's thought to discover not only validation for Buddhist teachings but the very foundation of a "Buddhism" that is of the West, by the West, and for the West.
List of contents
Acknowledgments - Preface- Introduction - Buddha and Nietzsche in Their Own Time and World - First Noble Truth: Unhappiness ( Dukkha ) - Second Noble Truth: The Origin and Nature of Unhappiness - Third Noble Truth: Ending Unhappiness - Fourth Noble Truth: The Path to Cheerfulness - Right View - Right Intention - Right Speech - Right Conduct - Right Livelihood - Right Effort - Right Mindfulness - Right Concentration - Unsentimental Compassion - Conclusion: Western Buddhism After Nietzsche? - References - Index.
About the author
Daniel Chapelle received his doctorate from the Institute of Philosophic Studies at the University of Dallas. His research focuses primarily on psychology with a dual focus on philosophy and clinal psychology. His past publications include Nietzsche and Psychoanalysis and The Soul In Everyday Life.
Summary
This book examines Nietzsche's claim that he could be the 'Buddha of the West'. A close reading of his texts shows substantial similarities with the Buddha's teachings.
