Comparing Husserl's Phenomenology and Chinese Yogacara in a Multicultural World: A Journey Beyond Orientalism

Phenomenology and Yogacara Buddhism have different views on consciousness, with phenomenology affirming the existence of essence and Yogacara Buddhism arguing that everything is empty of essence. Jingjing Li argues that what Edmund Husserl means by essence differs from what Chinese Yogacarins mean by svabhava and that Chinese Yogacara has developed an account of self-transformation, ethics, and social ontology that renders it more than just a Buddhist version of Husserlian phenomenology. This book demonstrates how the two traditions can thrive together to overcome Orientalism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

While phenomenology and Yogacara Buddhism are both renowned for their profound explorations into consciousness, a fundamental tension exists between them. Phenomenology firmly affirms the existence of an essential core, whereas Yogacara Buddhism posits that everything is devoid of essence or svabhava. How can constructive cultural exchange occur when these traditions hold such contradictory viewpoints? In order to address this critical question and contextualize both philosophical traditions within their respective intellectual and linguistic frameworks, Jingjing Li makes a compelling argument. She reveals that what Edmund Husserl refers to as essence differs significantly from what Chinese Yogacarins mean by svabhava, partly due to Husserl's critical engagement with the substantialist understanding of essence prevalent in European philosophy. Furthermore, Li highlights that Chinese Yogacara has evolved into a rich and comprehensive philosophical system that encompasses self-transformation, ethics, and social ontology, surpassing mere Buddhist interpretations of phenomenology. By delving into the process of finding a harmonious middle ground between these two traditions, this book demonstrates how they can coexist and thrive together, ultimately challenging Orientalism.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350256903