13 Free Eastern Philosophy Books [PDF]

Eastern philosophy holds some of humanity's oldest questions about how to live and think. Here you will find 13 free eastern philosophy books in PDF, ready to read and download.

Our collection spans the great traditions of the East. It covers Hindu and Vedanta thought, Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhist philosophy.

Start with a short overview, or go straight to a primary text like the Tao Te Ching or the Analects of Confucius. Every book is free to download in PDF, with no sign-up required.

• #1

  Eastern Philosophy: An Outline

  

  A clear outline of Eastern thought prepared for a college course. It maps the main schools, from Hindu and Buddhist ideas to Taoism, and compares them with Western philosophy so newcomers can find their footing.

  J.S.R.L. Narayana Moorty

  Format: PDF 148 pages 0.44 MB

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• #2

  The Relevance of Oriental Philosophy

  

  Alan Watts introduces the great currents of Asian thought in a lively, accessible voice. The essays move through Hinduism, Zen, Buddhism and Taoism, making difficult ideas feel close and relevant.

  Alan Watts

  Format: PDF 37 pages 0.25 MB

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• #3

  Eastern Philosophies of Education: Buddhist, Hindu, Daoist and Confucian Readings of Plato's Cave

  

  A scholarly chapter that reads four Eastern traditions through the lens of Plato's allegory of the cave. It draws out how Buddhist, Hindu, Daoist and Confucian thought each frame learning and the path to wisdom.

  Dr. David Lewin

  Format: PDF 31 pages 0.44 MB

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• #1

  Indian Philosophy

  

  A structured university text on Indian philosophy. It walks through the classical systems, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Nyaya, Samkhya and Yoga, giving each school its own chapter with clear explanations.

  EIILM University

  Format: PDF 118 pages 3.8 MB

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• #2

  Indian Philosophy: An Overview

  

  An encyclopedic overview of Indian philosophy, tracing its orthodox and unorthodox systems from the Vedic hymns and Upanishads through Vedanta. A solid reference for the sweep of Indian thought.

  Suresh Rattan

  Format: PDF 49 pages 2.95 MB

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• #3

  The Upanishads

  

  The foundational texts of Indian philosophy in a classic translation. The Upanishads explore the self, ultimate reality and the unity behind all things, the root from which Vedanta grew.

  F. Max Müller

  Format: PDF 217 pages 2.75 MB

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• #4

  The Bhagavad Gita: The Song Celestial

  

  Edwin Arnold's poetic rendering of the Bhagavad Gita, the dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna on duty, action and the path to liberation. One of the most beloved texts of Hindu thought.

  Edwin Arnold

  Format: PDF 77 pages 1.4 MB

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• #1

  Life and Teachings of Confucius

  

  A short account of the life of Confucius and the core of his ethical teaching. It sets his ideas on virtue, duty and self cultivation in the story of the man himself.

  Lucknow University

  Format: PDF 21 pages 0.12 MB

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• #2

  The Analects

  

  The sayings of Confucius in the classic Legge translation. These short passages on virtue, learning and good government are the cornerstone of Confucian thought and Chinese ethics.

  Confucius

  Format: PDF 65 pages 1.28 MB

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• #3

  Tao Te Ching

  

  The central text of Taoism, in 81 short verses on the Tao, simplicity and the power of non action (wu wei). A timeless guide to living in harmony with the natural order.

  Lao Tzu

  Format: PDF 34 pages 0.22 MB

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• #4

  The Texts of Taoism, Part 1

  

  Legge's scholarly translation of the Tao Te Ching together with the writings of Chuang Tzu (Zhuangzi). A deeper dive into Taoist philosophy on non action, spontaneity and the relativity of perspectives.

  James Legge

  Format: PDF 181 pages 2.92 MB

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• #1

  A Comparison Between Zen Buddhism and the Philosophy of Heidegger

  

  A comparative study placing Zen Buddhism beside Heidegger on death, nothingness and being. It shows where East and West meet on emptiness and where their paths diverge.

  Büke Temizler

  Format: PDF 12 pages 0.31 MB

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• #2

  Metaphysics in Buddhist Thinking

  

  A concise study of Buddhist metaphysics centered on Nagarjuna and the Madhyamika school. It explains the notion of emptiness and the Buddhist view of the self and reality.

  Nijara Medhi

  Format: PDF 10 pages 0.33 MB

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• #3

  The Dhammapada

  

  A collection of the Buddha's sayings on the mind, ethics and the path beyond suffering. Short, memorable verses that form one of the most widely read texts of Buddhist philosophy.

  F. Max Müller

  Format: PDF 37 pages 1.31 MB

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These eastern philosophy books trace a single thread across many lands, from India to China to Japan. Take your time and read the ones that speak to you.

Do you want more books on Philosophy in PDF format?

• 

  Buddhism Books

  Dharma, meditation, enlightenment. The teachings and practices of Buddhism.

• 

  Taoism Books

  Tao, harmony, nature. The Chinese philosophy of living in harmony with the Way.

• 

  Zen Books

  Simplicity, meditation, awareness. The Zen Buddhist path to enlightenment.

• 

  Theosophy Books

  Divine wisdom, universal truth, synthesis. The philosophical system seeking spiritual knowledge.

• 

  Masnavi by Rumi [PDF]