Paul Williams (3) (1950–)

Buddhist Thought guides the reader towards a richer understanding of the central concepts of classical Indian Buddhist thought, from the time of Buddha, to the latest scholarly perspectives and controversies. Abstract and complex ideas are made understandable by the authors' lucid style. Of particular interest is the up-to-date survey of Buddhist Tantra in India, a branch of Buddhism where strictly controlled sexual activity can play a part in the religious path. Williams' discussion of this controversial practice as well as of many other subjects makes Buddhist Thought crucial reading for all interested in Buddhism.… (más)

I would like to add some short remarks to mkp's thorough and accurate review.

1. The book does not cover Zen or Tantric Buddhism. It focuses on Indian and Chinese Buddhism, with discussions of selected (non-tantric) doctrines of Tibetan Buddhism.

2. The title means what it says about emphasis on doctrine. There is little or no discussion of practice as such.

3. For most readers the book may be primarily useful as a reference work. It is, as mkp described, thoroughly academic, philological, and detailed. The author truly leaves no stone unturned in the topics he treats. I read all the endnotes, which fill a large proportion of the book, and there is an enormous amount of valuable material in them as well as in the text.

4. The best parts are on Indian Buddhism, which are superb, especially the sections on Madhyamika. The parts on East Asian Buddhism are very good but not as encyclopedic as the Indian sections. IMO the author did not present an adequate grasp of the Taoist elements in Chinese Buddhism. And of course the limitation on the discussion of Chan and Zen is a drawback.

5. Despite my caveats, I recommend this book highly to anyone who feels interested in the challenge.

Incidentally, until I read mkp's review I had not heard of the author's alleged conversion to Roman Catholicism. I can think of not one example of pro-Catholic or Christian leaning or bias in the book. Interestingly, though, while reading it, I could not determine whether the author was or was not Buddhist, or was pursuing a strictly academic inquiry.… (más)

This book is not just another study of the notorious Sixth Dalai Lama (1683-1706). It is in fact a critical introduction to the very institution of the Dalai Lama itself and the concept of reincarnation that is its basis. Williams' book presents a haunting picture of the tragedy that became the life of the young Dalai lama in 17th Century Tibet. His translations help us to appreciate the songs for what they really are - the yearnings and frustrations of a restless, yet deeply human heart - and to gain insights into Tibetan Buddhism.… (más)