Author: Bu Ston
Translator(s): E Obermiller
Publisher: Paljor Publications
Year: 2000
Language: English
Pages: 221
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8186230149
Description
The History of Buddhism in India and Tibet by the great scholar Buston Rinchen grub-pa. Also called Budon Rinpoche, is held in great esteem by Tibetan and Mongolian learned lamas. It is distinguished from the work of Taranatha by the plan of its composition. It consists of three parts. The history proper is preceded by a systematical review of the whole of Buddhist literature so far as preserved in Tibet and it is followed by a systematical catalogue of works, authors and translations of all the literature contained in the Kanjur and Tanjur collections.
The first Part is of an overwhelming scientificial value. It represents a synthesis of everything which directly or remotely bears the stamp of Buddhism. The whole of its literature sacred and profane, is here reviewed as divided in periods, schools and subject matter. No one was better qualified than Bu-ston for her was one of the redactors of the Kanjur and Tanjur collections in their full form. The present Translation is divided into 2 books. Book I contains 3 parts, part I the merit of studying and preaching the doctrine, part II general review of the literature of Buddhism, Part III The consideration and fulfillment of the rules, prescribed, for study and teaching. Book II includes. The History of Buddhism Aeon, The rise of the Buddha in this world. An exhaustive note in the end enhances its utility.
Contents
INTRODUCTION
DEDICATORY VERSES
BOOK I
I. THE MERIT OF STUDYING AND PREACHING THE DOCTRINE
The Merit of Studying and Preaching in general.
The Merit of Study.
The Merit of Preaching.
The Merit of Study and Preaching taken together.
The Special Merit of studying and Preaching the Mahayanistic Doctrines
Prevalence over the Merit of the Hinayanist Saints.
Superiority to every other Kind of Merit in the Path.
Certainty of Attaining Omniscience.
II. GENERAL REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE OF BUDDHISM.
The Different Meanings of the word dharma.
Etymology of Dharma
Definition of Dharma in the sense of The Doctrine.
The various aspects of the Doctrine.
The Doctrine from the Standpoint of the Result
The Doctrine as the Means of Realising Nirvana
The Doctrine in its literary form.
III. THE CONSIDERATION AND FULFILMENT OF THE RULES, PRESCRIBED FOR STUDY AND TEACHING.
Character of the Doctrine to be taught
Character of the Methods of Teaching.
Character of the Methods of Study
Character of the Student
Definition of the Student of acute faculties
The Hearer of feeble faculties.
The Hearer of feeble Faculties
The Means of Study
The Manner of Studying
The Instructions for realizing the Aim of the Doctrine.
BOOK II
The History of Buddhism.
The Rise of Buddhism in Indien.
The different Aeons
The Buddhas of the Fortunate Aeon.
The Rise of the Buddha in this World.
The Accumulation of Merit, according to Mahayana.
The Attainment of Buddhahood-Mahayanistic Version.