Living Karma

Living Karma is a study of the way the inner world of a leading Buddhist monk was shaped by his belief in karma, focusing on Ouyi Zhixu, perhaps the most important Chinese monk of the seventeenth century and certainly one of the most interesting, known for his contributions to Buddhist commentary, ritual exegesis, bibliography, and autobiography. -- John Kieschnick, Stanford University
An ingeniously conceived and deeply researched study of one of the four great Buddhist masters of the late Ming dynasty. The book reveals Ouyi Zhixu to be a far more interesting and intellectually complex person than we knew. By giving primacy to the theme of karma, McGuire finds a unity to Ouyi's conduct and textual practice that has gone unremarked until now. -- Timothy Brook, University of British Columbia
This important new book is doubly valuable. In offering the first Western language monograph devoted to the teachings of Ouyi Zhixu, Beverley Foulks McGuire has employed the best tools of sinology and Buddhist studies to rescue a major Chinese Buddhist teacher not only from the obscurity of scholarly neglect but also from the doldrums of conventional intellectual history. McGuire demonstrates the value of applying to the study of religious ethics the insights and methods of anthropology and the study of religious narrative. This book is 'must reading' for scholars of Chinese religions, especially Buddhism, and deserves serious attention in the wider field of religious studies. -- Robert M. Gimello, The University of Notre Dame
In this thoughtful and astute study, McGuire shows how a fundamental Buddhist doctrine--karma--shaped the practice life of a major Chinese Buddhist thinker whose ideas remain significant for the tradition today. Her sensitive readings of Ouyi Zhixiu's ritual texts and personal writings provide an intimate perspective on this monk's ideas and his intense bodily practices such as 'filial slicing,' burning of his arms and head, and the writing of texts in his own blood. -- James A. Benn, McMaster University
McGuire has not only deepened our knowledge of Ming-dynasty Buddhism, she has also shown us effective and innovative ways to engage with Chinese religious history and practice. * Journal of Asian Studies *
This is a very strong entry from an emerging scholar in Chinese Buddhism.... I recommend this volume without qualification. It is a well-defined and focused elucidation of an interesting topic. -- Charles B. Jones * Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies *
In admirably concise and lucid writing, McGuire offers us a rare glimpse into the inner life of the great Ming dynasty Buddhist master Ouyi Zhixu. * Journal of Chinese Religion *
An eminently readable and interesting book. . . . Surprisingly accessible to anyone with an interest in Buddhism and its development in China. * Asian Review of Books *
An important study and contribution to Buddhist studies that should be welcomed by students of Chinese Buddhism and culture. * Review of Religion and Chinese Society *
Living Karma is an invaluable study that not only rescues from scholarly oblivion one of the most influential Buddhist figures of Ming-dynasty China, but also sheds light on the complexity and coherence of his inner world and ritual practices by showing how they were shaped by his understanding of karma. -- Daniela Campo * H-Buddhism *