An Introduction to Buddhist Psychology is a lucid, intelligible and authentic introduction to the foundations of Buddhist psychology. It provides comprehensive coverage of the basic concepts and issues in the psychology of Buddhism and thus it deals with the nature of psychological inquiry, concepts of mind, consciousness and behavior, motivation, emotions, perception, and the therapeutic structure of Buddhist psychology. For the fourth edition, a new chapter on "emotional intelligence" and its relationship with Buddhism has been added.

Praise

Praise for the third edition:

"Professor de Silva's familiarity with Western psychology and philosophy, along with his deep knowledge of Theravadan traditions gives his work [an] informed balance between ancient wisdom and modern thought. This new edition of his book brings contemporary philosophy of mind together with a clear account of early Buddhist texts. It is an authoritative work that will be welcomed by scholars from both Buddhist and Western traditions."--John Pickering, University of Warwick

"An Introduction to Buddhist Psychology is a groundbreaking work, stunning in its lucidity and sweeping in its vision. Professor de Silva has been an intellectual pioneer for decades, and this new edition of his most important work treats the reader to the sustained reflections of a senior scholar. I recommend it not only to academics, but to all who are interested in spirituality, alternative therapies, and personal growth."--Nathan Katz, Florida International University

About the Author(s)

Padmasiri de Silva

Padmasiri de Silva is Research Fellow at Monash University.

Table of Contents

Foreword--John Hick * Preface to the First Edition * Preface to the Second Edition * Preface to the Third Edition * Preface to the Fourth Edition * Basic Features of Buddhist Psychology * The Psychology of Cognition * Motivation and Emotions * Personality * Buddhist Psychology and the West: An Encounter Between Therapeutic Systems * Health and Sickness in Buddhist Perspective * Mind-Body Relationship and Buddhist Contextualism * A Holistic Perspective on Emotion Theory and Therapy in Early Buddhism * Notes * Bibliography * Index