Romantic dharma
Book Description
In Romantic Dharma, Mark Lussier unveils a fascinating spiritual and intellectual convergence that shaped Western consciousness during the early 1800s. This scholarly exploration traces how Buddhist wisdom first entered European awareness through colonial encounters across the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and Tibet, creating an unexpected dialogue between Eastern dharma and Western Romantic thought.
Lussier demonstrates how Buddhist texts and teachings flowed from remote mountain monasteries to Oriental Studies centers in India and Europe, where they encountered minds already primed for spiritual questioning. The book reveals striking parallels between Buddhist philosophy and Romantic ideals, showing how both traditions share profound ethical commitments and similar approaches to understanding human suffering and its alleviation.
Rather than remaining purely historical, this work bridges past and present by exploring how these ancient insights can inform contemporary spiritual practice and learning. Lussier identifies what he terms "engaged Romanticism," a practical philosophy that draws from both Buddhist compassion and Romantic individualism to address modern challenges.
For readers interested in the intersection of Eastern wisdom and Western thought, Romantic Dharma offers a unique perspective on how spiritual traditions cross cultural boundaries and evolve. The book provides both historical context and practical applications, making centuries-old wisdom accessible to contemporary seekers exploring paths toward reducing suffering and cultivating deeper understanding.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 231 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore Sources
- ✓ Explore Buddhist influences
- ✓ Explore LITERARY CRITICISM / European / English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh
- ✓ Explore Influence
- ✓ Explore Literature, history and criticism
- ✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
- ✓ Explore Christianity
