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The Red Thread: Buddhist Approaches to Sexuality,Used
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Is there a Buddhist discourse on sex? In this innovative study, Bernard Faure reveals Buddhism's paradoxical attitudes toward sexuality. His remarkably broad range covers the entire geography of this religion, and its long evolution from the time of its founder, Xvkyamuni, to the premodern age. The author's anthropological approach uncovers the inherent discrepancies between the normative teachings of Buddhism and what its followers practice.Framing his discussion on some of the most prominent Western thinkers of sexualityGeorges Bataille and Michel FoucaultFaure draws from different reservoirs of writings, such as the orthodox and heterodox 'doctrines' of Buddhism, and its monastic codes. Virtually untapped mythological as well as legal sources are also used. The dialectics inherent in Mahvyvna Buddhism, in particular in the Tantric and Chan/Zen traditions, seemed to allow for greater laxity and even encouraged breaking of taboos.Faure also offers a history of Buddhist monastic life, which has been buffeted by anticlerical attitudes, and by attempts to regulate sexual behavior from both within and beyond the monastery. In two chapters devoted to Buddhist homosexuality, he examines the way in which this sexual behavior was simultaneously condemned and idealized in medieval Japan.This book will appeal especially to those interested in the cultural history of Buddhism and in premodern Japanese culture. But the story of how one of the world's oldest religions has faced one of life's greatest problems makes fascinating reading for all.
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- Q: What is 'The Red Thread: Buddhist Approaches to Sexuality' about? A: This book explores Buddhism's complex attitudes toward sexuality, examining both normative teachings and actual practices among followers throughout history.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Bernard Faure, a prominent scholar known for his work on Buddhist studies and cultural history.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains 324 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is available in paperback binding.
- Q: When was 'The Red Thread' published? A: The book was published on October 26, 1998.
- Q: What topics does the book cover? A: It covers a range of topics including Buddhist monastic life, homosexuality in Buddhism, and the historical evolution of sexual discourse in Buddhist traditions.
- Q: Is this book suitable for someone interested in Japanese culture? A: Yes, it will appeal particularly to those interested in the cultural history of Buddhism and premodern Japanese culture.
- Q: Does the book reference any Western thinkers? A: Yes, it discusses perspectives from prominent Western thinkers such as Georges Bataille and Michel Foucault.
- Q: What is the main theme of the book? A: The main theme is the paradoxical attitudes of Buddhism towards sexuality and how these attitudes have evolved over time.
- Q: Are there any unique sources referenced in the book? A: Yes, the author draws from a variety of sources, including mythological, legal, orthodox, and heterodox writings.