Concept and Reality in Early Buddhist Thought

Abstract

In this book, the Venerable Author, formerly an Assistant Lecturer in Pali at the University of Sri Lanka, Peradeniya, drawing from his broad knowledge of the Buddha’s teachings, sheds new light on a perennial problem of philosophy, indicated in the title, Concept and Reality. This work deals primarily with two important, but controversial doctrinal terms, found in the Pali Canon - Papanca and Papanca- sannà-sankhà. The characteristically Buddhistic doctrine of ‘not-self’ (anattà) is shown in new dimensions of significance having far-reaching implications not only in the context of Buddhism but also for the student of philosophy, psychology and ethics, as well. The observations on concept and conceptualizing find special import in the context of modern semantic philosophy. Copious quotations from the Buddhist texts provide increased knowledge and new interpretations of obscure passages, and also render the work a substantial source book for Buddhist Philosophy.