Mutual Causality in Buddhism and General Systems Theory: The Dharma of Natural Systems (SUNY series in Buddhist Studies)

Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications
Author: Joanna Macy
Language: English
Edition: 1995
ISBN: 9780791406373
Pages: 254
Cover: Hardcover
Dimensions: 23 cm x 15 cm
Weight: 402 gm

About the Book

This groundbreaking book explores the dynamic convergence between Western science and Eastern wisdom, specifically the integration of general systems theory and Buddhist philosophy. Joanna Macy, an acclaimed author and adjunct professor, delves into the profound concept of dependent co-arising (paticca samuppada) and its intersections with contemporary systems thinking.

Drawing from both Buddhism and modern systems theory, Macy demonstrates how these perspectives offer a unified approach to understanding the interconnectedness of all phenomena. The book highlights how causality, a central principle in both Buddhism and systems theory, shapes our worldview and influences everything from personal life to societal structures. Through this mutual causality, we can better understand interdependence and the fundamental connections that define reality.

Macy explores the role of this understanding in promoting effective action for global challenges, such as the environmental crisis and nuclear threat, encouraging readers to act for the collective good. The book offers an accessible introduction to these complex ideas, making them relevant for both scholars and anyone interested in ecology, philosophy, and spirituality.

This is an essential read for those seeking to merge Eastern and Western thought and engage with global issues through the lens of interconnectedness and systemic thinking.