Equinox Nikaya Buddhism and Early Chan - Oxford Monographs

Explore a unique perspective on Buddhist history and practice with Nikaya Buddhism and Early Chan. This volume from the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies Monographs examines the surprising connections between early Buddhist teachings and early Chan traditions. While many scholars focus on the differences between Chan and mainstream Buddhism, this work highlights the originality found in the Nikayas and how they differ from later classical Theravada doctrine. By analyzing specific passages from Nikaya and early Chan texts, the book reveals unconventional ideas regarding meditation, consciousness, and reality. These shared themes offer a fresh way to understand the development of Buddhist thought. This text is an essential resource for those interested in the historical nuances of Buddhist philosophy and the distinct meditative paradigms that shaped these traditions. It provides a scholarly look at ideas that have often been overlooked due to their unorthodox nature.