Sue Hamilton: Indian Philosophy, a Very Short Introduction

The Dhammapada led me to this little book, which I read in Delhi – mostly in bed.

That was 20 years ago. What I remember most clearly – and I can still visualise the words on the top right corner of the open book – was the explanation of dependent origination.

It went like this, as I recall:

  • some Hindu philosophers said that matter and perception exist separately
  • others said that there is no such thing as matter – only perception
  • but Buddhists say that our perception brings matter into existence

And I still think about this – not every day, but most days.