Buddhist Sociology

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. The methodology in Buddhist thought. 3. Family. 4. Socialization. 5. Social stratification. 6. Woman and society. 7. A political theory in the Buddhist tradition? 8. Buddhist economics. 9. Buddhism and education. 10. Crime and social control. 11. Violence, terrorism and Buddhism. 12. Alcohol and intoxicants. 13. Buddhist philosophy of health. 14. Bibliography. Index.

"Buddhist Sociology" attempts to build a system of sociology from early Buddhist thought. For this purpose, the author utilises the original Pali sources, and builds the system carefully, making use of the available Buddhist tradition too. He adopts a sociological cum anthropological approach, enriching it by experiences derived from Buddhist thought itself. In a world such as ours where we are tired and wary of ready-made theories, this excursion into Buddhist sociology brings a welcome change. It opens up an alternative way of thinking and living to all of us.

"The author explains what the method in Buddhist thought is, and then goes to deal with topics such as family, socialization, political and economic theories, women in Buddhist society, social problems, education, health and crime and punishment." (jacket)