Can enlightenment be attained through words? Understanding Prajña addresses this perennial issue in the study of mysticism through the work of Sengzhao (374-414), a Buddhist scholar-monk whose essay on prajña (&«wisdom») created a sensation in early medieval China. Drawing on contemporary hermeneutic theory, this book presents a close reading of Sengzhao's work, placing it in proper context while highlighting his masterful techniques for conveying &«wisdom» beyond ordinary language. Understanding Prajña includes translations of Sengzhao's essay and his correspondence with Liu Yimin, a &«hermit-scholar» who yearned to grasp the Buddha's sage wisdom.
| ISBN: | 9780820488264 |
| Publication date: | 26th August 2008 |
| Author: | John M Thompson |
| Publisher: | Peter Lang an imprint of Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publishers |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 322 pages |
| Series: | American University Studies VII, Theology and Religion |
| Genres: |
Spirituality and religious experience Spiritualism Confucianism Shintoism Taoism Social and political philosophy Occult studies Buddhism Literary studies: general |