Craving and Salvation–A Study in Buddhist Soteriology

• Book Title: Craving and Salvation in Buddhism

• Author: Bruce Matthews

• Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 1994

• ISBN: 9788170304142

• Pages: 143

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 23 cm x 15 cm

• Weight: 310 gm

Book Description

From the Jacket
The Buddhist understanding of salvation delves into profound questions: Is there any escape from the awareness of pain and the cycle of life? Why are humans subject to craving? What is the nature of human beings? Craving is central to the Buddhist plan of salvation, and a deep understanding of its function in religious life is key to understanding Buddhism. However, the role of craving is often misunderstood or oversimplified.

Bruce Matthews explores the concept of craving in Buddhism from both phenomenological and religious perspectives. He critically examines key canonical texts of the Sutta Pitaka (Nikayas) and draws upon extensive research, including travel and interviews with contemporary Buddhists—both monks and lay villagers. Matthews explores how craving arises, how it affects the mind, and how it can be redirected. The book concludes with a discussion on the spiritual implications of craving, emphasizing that the engagement and harnessing of craving, rather than its suppression, are crucial to awareness and freedom, leading to emancipation.

Preface

Matthews expresses gratitude to numerous individuals who contributed to the preparation of this book. Special thanks are given to Dr. Andrew Nanayakkara of Colombo, Mr. Justice U Chan Htoon of Rangoon, and Professor Sulak Sivaraksa of Bangkok for their assistance in providing scholarly and monastic contacts. At home, Matthews extends appreciation to Professor Hebert Lewis for editorial assistance, Marie-Thérèse McGuinness for her help, and Christine Lenihan and Deborah Seary for typing the manuscript. The book was published with the support of a grant from the Canadian Federation of the Humanities, using funds from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, along with a Harvey T. Reid grant from Acadia University.

Matthews also notes that all translations from the Pali texts are his own, except where otherwise indicated, and mentions his use of more common Sanskrit spellings of terms like karma and nirvana.

Foreword by Robert Lawson Slater

Professor Lawson Slater highlights the significance of Matthews' scholarly work on Buddhist craving and salvation, noting that Matthews' extensive research in Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand allows for a comparison of his findings with the work of other prominent scholars like K. N. Jayatilleke and M. W. P. de Silva. Slater praises Matthews' contributions to the understanding of Buddhist soteriology and encourages readers to reconsider their earlier conclusions about craving in Buddhist texts, especially in light of Matthews' focus on "unconscious craving." This book provides a detailed and thoughtful exploration of Buddhist practices, interpretations, and speculations on salvation.