Buddhist Philosophy of Consciousness

Book Description

Buddhist Philosophy of Consciousness invites readers into a profound exploration of how ancient Buddhist thinkers approached one of humanity's most enduring mysteries: the nature of awareness itself. Mark Siderits presents a comprehensive examination of diverse Buddhist perspectives on consciousness that emerged from the foundational teaching of non-self, offering fresh insights for contemporary seekers and scholars alike.

This scholarly yet accessible work delves into fundamental questions that continue to captivate modern consciousness researchers. How do we become aware of our own mental processes? Can we experience pure awareness without conceptual thinking? Is it possible for multiple forms of cognition to operate within a single stream of consciousness? The book also tackles intriguing philosophical puzzles, such as whether we can direct our attention toward things that don't actually exist, and whether consciousness possesses inherent characteristics or functions purely as a process.

What makes this exploration particularly valuable is how Buddhist philosophers developed distinctive approaches to these universal questions about mind and awareness. Their insights offer alternative frameworks for understanding consciousness that may illuminate aspects overlooked by contemporary Western thought. For readers interested in deepening their understanding of Buddhist psychology, meditation practice, or the philosophical foundations of mindfulness, this work provides a rigorous yet engaging bridge between ancient wisdom and modern inquiry into the nature of conscious experience.