This book examines the paradox of intention, the simple idea that we may reach a goal by giving up the attempt to reach it or, conversely, that we may be prevented from reaching a goal by our intentional efforts to achieve it. The nature of this paradox is explored through an examination of texts from ancient and existential philosophy, psychotherapy, and the sacred texts of Buddhism, Christianity, and Taoism. Shaw then subjects the paradox to systematic study by pursuing a series of questions arising from it.
A clearly written and accessible study, The Paradox of Intention adds an...

This volume collects essays by the renowned scholar and historian of religion Joseph M. Kitagawa. The collection is organized into three parts. Part one presents essays examining such topics as the history of the discipline, its place in the academy, and some of its basic categories and tenets. Part two offers what Kitagawa calls studies in "applied history of religions." These essays demonstrate how insights derived from the practice of the history of religions can be applied to the political and spiritual problems of the day. In a third and concluding section, Kitagawa reflects on his own...