"Understanding Eastern Philosophy provides an accessible critical introduction to how some of the key philosophies of the East compare with those in the West. Starting from a discussion of the problems of distinguishing between religions and philosophies, Ray Billington presents a clear picture of the key tenets behind Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Jainism and Confucianism.\Moving on to compare the key themes of religious philosophy that cut across East and West, such as a belief in God, the soul, moral decision-making, nature and authority, Understanding Eastern Philosophy presents a fascinating and controversial picture of the contribution theistic religions have to make. With its belief in a personal God bestowing a particular version of 'truth', Ray Billington concludes that the universal mysticism characteristic of Eastern thought provides a more realistic and rewarding path than is commonly supposed in the West.\Understanding Eastern Philosophy assumes no prior knowledge of religion or philosophy."--publisher description.

Eastern philosophy or Eastern religion? -- The concept of God -- Hinduism I: its scripturees and systems -- Hinduism II: its basic teaching -- The heterodox systems I -- The heterodox systems II: Buddhism 1: philosophy -- The heterodox systems III: Buddhism 2: the way of Buddha -- The heterodox systems IV: Buddhism 3: Mahayana Buddhism -- Chinese philosophy I: Taoism -- Later developments in Taoism -- Chinese philosophy II: the Yinrep destiny -- Ethics and human behaviour -- Nature and community -- Authority and faith -- Coexistence or coinherence?.