Philosophy of Desire in the Buddhist Pali Canon

<p>David Webster explores the notion of desire as found in the Buddhist Pali Canon. Beginning by addressing the idea of a 'paradox of desire' whereby we must desire to end desire the varieties of desire that are articulated in the Pali texts are examined. A range of views of desire as found in Western thought are presented as well as Hindu and Jain approaches. An exploration of the concept of <em>ditthi</em>(view or opinion) is also provided exploring the way in which 'holding views' can be seen as analogous to the process of desiring. Other subjects investigated include the mind-body relationship the range of Pali terms for desire and desire's positive spiritual value. A comparative exploration of the various approaches completes the work.</p>