Description
Book SynopsisExplores the path leading to enlightenment and teaches the principles and methods of meditation. This text calls for dynamic social engagement based on compassion and wisdom. Philosophical and religious in its approach, it provides a comprehensive summary of the essentials of Mahayana Buddhism.
Trade Review"At last, a critical English translation of one of the most influential documents of Mahayana Buddhism faithful to the earliest extant Chinese text." -- Choice "The most reliable version of the text available to English-speaking readers." -- Andrew May, Journal of The Buddhist Society
Table of ContentsForeword, by Wm. Theodore de Bary Preface Introduction Introduction to the Reprint Edition, by by Ryuichi Abe Invocation The Contents of the Discourse Part 1 The Reasons for Writing Part 2 Outline Part 3 Interpretation Chapter One: Revelation of True Meaning I. One Mind and Its Two Aspects A. The Mind in Terms of the Absolute 1. Truly Empty 2. Truly Nonempty B. The Mind in Terms of Phenomena 1. The Storehouse Consciousness a. The Aspect of Enlightenment (1) Original Enlightenment (2) The Process of Actualization of Enlightenment (a) Purity of Wisdom (b) Suprarational Functions (3) The Characteristics of the Essence of Enlightenment b. The Aspect of Nonenlightenment c. The Relationships Between Enlightenment and Nonenlightenment (1) Identity (2) Nonidentity 2. The Cause and Conditions of Man's Being in Sausara a. Mind b. Consciousness c. Defiled States of Mind d. Comments on the Terms Used in the Foregoing Discussion 3. The Characteristics of Beings in Sausara a. Permeation of Ignorance b. Permeation of Suchness (1) Permeation Through Manifestation of the Essence of Suchness (2) Permeation Through Influences (a) The Specific Coordinating Causes (b) The General Coordinating Causes II. The Essence Itself and the Attributes of Suchness, by or The Meanings of Maha A. The Greatness of the Essence of Suchness B. The Greatness of the Attributes of Suchness C. The Greatness of the Influences of Suchness III. From Samsara to Nirva-a Chapter Two: The Correction of Evil Attachments I. The Biased Views Held by Ordinary Men II. The Biased Views Held by the Hinayanists Chapter Three: Analysis of the Types of Aspiration for Enlightenment, by or The Meanings of Yana I. The Aspiration for Enlightenment Through the Perfection of Faith II. The Aspiration for Enlightenment Through Understanding and Deeds III. The Aspiration for Enlightenment Through Insight Part 4 On Faith and Practice On Four Faiths On Five Practices The Practice of Cessation The Practice of Clear Observation Part 5 Encouragement of Practice and the Benefits Thereof Notes Glossary A Selected Bibliography Index
