The Great Awakening: A Buddhist Social Theory - Softcover

"Now that I'm growing old, I look for deeper meaning everywhere. Loy's book sure gave me some--not only on that personal how-to-live-my-life level, but also in the universal realm of what's-this-all-about."--Kalle Lasn, Editor-in-Chief of Adbusters Magazine and author of Culture Jam--The Uncooling of America

"A groundbreaking book from an original thinker."--Melvin McLeod, editor of The Best Buddhist Writing series

"In this daring work, David Loy applies his theory of a Buddhist psychology of 'lack'--the human experience of incompleteness and craving--to a dazzling array of social problems in the world today, including economic injustice and political tyranny, war and terrorism after 9/11, and the destruction of our natural environment. In so doing, he exemplifies the rise of socially engaged Buddhism and this new vehicle of spiritual practice."--Professor Christopher S. Queen, Harvard University, editor of Engaged Buddhism in the West

"Loy extends our understanding of Buddha's teachings by showing how the three poisons of greed, ill-will, and delusion--the sources of all individual suffering--become socially embedded and supercharged in issues ranging from the 'War against Evil' to the reformation of dangerous criminals. Sophisticated theories like the ones Loy presents here are an urgent requirement if socially engaged Buddhism is to reach its full potential."--Ken Jones, author of The New Social Face of Buddhism

A professor of international studies applies Buddhist theory and teachings to a variety of economic, social, and ecological issues, showing how Buddhism can provide a theorgetical framework for socially involved individuals. Original.