Three Dimensions of Buddhism: Buddhist Philosophy, Literature and History (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9789937269339)

This book provides a comprehensive exploration of Buddhist religion, philosophy, literature, history, and its expansion across Asia. It is structured into several key sections that delve into the origins, teachings, philosophical schools, meditative practices, and historical development of Buddhism.

The book begins by examining the factors that led to the rise of Buddhism and the philosophical landscape before the Buddha's time. It then presents the fundamental teachings of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the doctrine of Dependent Origination (Pratītyasamutpāda). The discussion extends to core Buddhist concepts such as Nirvana, Arhatship, and the role of meditation in attaining liberation.

A detailed exploration of Buddhist meditation follows, covering various techniques such as Samatha (calm-abiding) and Vipassana (insight) meditation. It also introduces specialized meditative practices, including the Four Divine Abidings (Brahmaviharas), the Ten Recollections, and the Four Formless Realms.

The book then delves into Buddhist philosophy, outlining the major schools of thought, such as Vaibhashika and Sautrantika from early Buddhism, and Shunyavada (Madhyamika) and Vijnanavada (Yogachara) from the Mahayana tradition. Mahayana Buddhism is further explored, emphasizing the bodhisattva ideal, Bodhicitta, the practice of Paramitas, and the Ten Bhumis of Bodhisattvas. Vajrayana Buddhism is also covered in depth, detailing its meaning, meditative practices, initiation rituals (Abhisheka), and its esoteric teachings.

Buddhist literature is another major focus, with sections dedicated to Pali, Sanskrit, and Mahayana texts. The book provides an overview of the Pali Tripitaka, the Mahasanghika and Sarvastivada literature, and influential Mahayana scriptures like the Saddharmapundarika Sutra and Lalitavistara Sutra. The influence of Buddhist literature on society is also analyzed.

The historical development of Buddhism is traced through accounts of the four Buddhist councils and the religion's expansion across Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Tibet, China, Korea, and Japan. The book concludes by highlighting key Buddhist educational institutions such as Nalanda, Vallabhi, Vikramashila, Jagaddala, and Odantapuri.

Overall, this book serves as a scholarly resource for understanding Buddhism's philosophical depth, historical evolution, and cultural influence, making it a valuable reference for students, researchers, and practitioners of Buddhism.
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