Narrating Karma and Rebirth

Buddhist and Jain Multi-Life Stories

Naomi Appleton (University of Edinburgh)

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English

Cambridge University Press
08 October 2015

Philosophy of religion; Buddhism; Jainism

Buddhism and Jainism share the concepts of karma, rebirth, and the desirability of escaping from rebirth. The literature of both traditions contains many stories about past, and sometimes future, lives which reveal much about these foundational doctrines. Naomi Appleton carefully explores how multi-life stories served to construct, communicate, and challenge ideas about karma and rebirth within early South Asia, examining portrayals of the different realms of rebirth, the potential paths and goals of human beings, and the biographies of ideal religious figures. Appleton also deftly surveys the ability of karma to bind individuals together over multiple lives, and the nature of the supernormal memory that makes multi-life stories available in the first place. This original study not only sheds light on the individual preoccupations of Buddhist and Jain tradition, but contributes to a more complete history of religious thought in South Asia, and brings to the foreground long-neglected narrative sources.

By: Naomi Appleton (University of Edinburgh)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 153mm, Spine: 13mm
Weight: 360g
ISBN: 9781107566149
ISBN 10: 1107566142
Pages: 244
Publication Date: 08 October 2015
Audience: Professional and scholarly , College/higher education , Undergraduate , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Karma and the realms of rebirth; 3. Karma and human potentiality; 4. Jinas and Buddhas; 5. Karma and community; 6. Memory and omniscience; 7. Conclusion; Appendix: texts referred to in this book.

Naomi Appleton is Chancellor's Fellow in Religious Studies at the University of Edinburgh. She is author of Jātaka Stories in Theravāda Buddhism (2010).

Reviews for Narrating Karma and Rebirth: Buddhist and Jain Multi-Life Stories

'This lively study of narratives about karma and rebirth in Buddhist and Jain literature will be welcomed by scholars and non-scholars alike ... provide[s] abundant themes for classical scriptures, contemporary cartoon books, movies, and painting and sculpture ... Highly recommended.' J. Bussanich, Choice