Author: Govind Chandra Pande
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass
Year: 2006
Language: English
Pages: 604
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8120810163
Description
The present work is designed to consist of a group of organically connected historical studies relating to the origins of Buddhism. It is the doctrinal rather than the institutional aspect of Buddhism that is mainly considered. The subject matter is for the greater part of a literary and religio-philosophic character, but the treatment is intended to be primarily historical.
Buddhist canonical texts have been subjected to an extensive critical analysis which includes an attempts to stratify them. The implications of new protohistoric discoveries for the history of Indian religions have been considered in the light of the psychology of saints, and crucial terms and doctrines of Buddhism have been discussed in the context of their evolution.
The whole work attempts to trace the rise and evolution of early Buddhist literature and thought both as an inner cultural process and an eternal process of actions of individuals and monastic communities.
REVIEWS
This is one of the rare works combining textual criticism, philosophical bent and historical approach and is undoubtedly one of the most valuable additions to the extensive literature of Buddhism in recent decades.
-Ajay Mitra Shastri
Nagpur times, September 16th, 1984
I was surprised to know how excellent the work was. It is, indeed, a wonder! Hithrtofore so many books have been published on Early Buddhism but they are weak from the viewpoint of text-criticism. To our joy you have launched your won studies in a strictly scientific direction. I was struck by your enormous efforts and strictly scholarly attitude.
-Prof Hajime Nakamura, Tokyo University
Studies in the Origins of Buddhism is an excellent piece of work. It sets out in proper perspective and with fine discrimination the complicated issues regarding the literature and thought of Early Buddhism, especially the Pali Canons. Those who have had to do with Buddhism, especially the Pali Canons. Those who have had to do with Buddhism are aware of its vastness and bewildering variety. The book, will be acclaimed as a veritable mine of information on the subject and will prove quite a trustworthy guide to an admittedly difficult and intricate subject, There is no doubt that the Studies in the Origins of Buddhism is a distinctive contribution to the understanding of Pali Buddhism.
-Prof TRV Murti
Sayaji Rao Gaekwad, Professor, BHU
Contents
PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION
PREFACE
PART I: STUDIES IN EARLY BUDDHIST SOURGES
1. The Buddhist Canon and Its Chronology
2. The Stratification of the Nikayas: Problems and Methods
3. The Stratification of Suttanipata, Itivuttaka and Udana
4. Early and Late in the Digha-Nikaya
5. Early and Late in the Majjhima-Nikaya
6. Early and Late in the Samyutta-Nikaya
7. Early and Late the Anguttara-Nikaya
PART II: STUDIES IN THE HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND OF EARLY BUDDHISM
8. Review of the Vedic Background
9. Religions Conditions in the Age of Buddha
10. The Life of Buddha
PART III: STUDIES IN EARLY BUDDHIST DOCTRINES
11. Suffering and Its Origin
12. Nirvana
13. The Way to Nirvana
14. Early Buddhism in Relation to Its Rivals and Forerunners
15. Some Trends in the Post-Nikaya Development of Early Buddhism
APPENDIX I-Early Jaina Sources
APPENDIX II-The Home of Pali
APPENDIX III-On the Maitrayaniya Upanisad
ABBREVIATIONS AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
INDEX