An Intelligent Life: Buddhist Psychology of Self-Transformation

Yokoyama, a Japanese scholar of Buddhist philosophies, has distilled a career’s worth of knowledge and personal wisdom into this concise inquiry. “When we come to know what reality is,” he writes, “we inevitably come to solve the problem of how to live—with love for others.” The skilled teacher uses questions and examples to lead the reader step-by-step through his core line of thought. Buddhist concepts of karma, ego, the nonexistence of the self, and the like are explored through the specific lens of the Representation Only school of philosophy, which posits that everyone’s experience exists only in their own mind; ideas from Western philosophers such as Descartes inform his discussion. Yokoyama’s wonder and gratitude shine throughout as he urges younger generations to live with generosity, compassion, and purpose. This welcome new voice in American publishing demonstrates with sparkling clarity how Buddhist wisdom can address life’s most pressing questions. [em](Aug.) [/em]