Metaphysics and Mysticism Mahayana Buddhism: An Analytical Study of the Ratna Gotra Vibhago-Mahayanttaratantra-sastram
Sebastian, C.D.
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PRODUCT DETAILS
Book ID : 27004
ISBN-10 : 81-7030-826-7 / 8170308267
ISBN-13 : 978-81-7030-826-3 / 9788170308263
Place
of Publication :
Delhi
Year
of Publication :
2005
Edition : (First Edition)
Language : English
xvii, 323p., Gloss., Bib., Index, 23 cm. (Bibliotheca Indo Buddhica Series No. 238)
CONTENTS
CONTENTS:- 1. General Introduction; 2. The Ratna-gotra-vibhao-mahayanottara-tantra-sataram: An Introduction; 3. The first three Vajra points: The three Jewels; 4. The fourth Vajra point: Tathagata-garbha; 5. The Fifth and Sixth vajra points: The Bodhi and the Guna; 6. A. The Fifth Vajra point: The Bodhi; 7. B. The Sixth Vajra Point: The Guna (s); 8. The seventh Vajra Point: The Krtya-Kriya of the Tathagata; 9. The advantage of having faith in the Tathagatha-garbha teaching; Conclusion: Metaphysics and Mysticism in the Uttaratantra; Epilogue.
DESCRIPTION
Canonical and classical Mahayana literature falls into two classes viz., Prajnaparamita and the Tathagatagarbha classes. The Ratnagotravibhago Mahayanottara-tantra Sastra, popularly known as the Uttaratantra, is the foremost example of the Tathagata-garbha literature. In this volume the author makes an exegetical and analytic study of the same text, and brings out the metaphysical and mystical bearings of Mahayana Buddhism. The teaching of the Uttaratantra is a perfect blend of philosophy, religion, spiritual discipline, mysticism and metaphysics - a blend which is characteristic of Buddhism.
Tathagata-garbha is an important Mahayana principle, which explains that all living beings posses the essence of Buddha-hood (Sarva-sattvas-tathatagata-garbhah). Tathagata-garbha theory is a teaching that gives great optimism for all living beings in the pursuit of Bodhi (Enlightenment) or Buddhatva (Buddhahood). This theory enshrines in it a subline concept that all the sentient beings are potential Buddhas or all will attain Buddha-hood. Owing to the presence of Tathagata-garbha in all, one perceives the equality of oneself with others, and works for the wellbeing of all living beings, as one's entire life motif. According to A.K. Chatterjee, an outstanding authority on Yogacara Idealism, the author "brings out beautifully the implication of the notion of the Tathagatagarbha" in this volume.
