The Concept of the Buddha: Its Evolution from Early Buddhism to the Trikaya Theory (Routledgecurzon Critical Studies in Buddhism)

Guang Xing gives an analysis of one of the fundamental Mahayana Buddhist teachings, namely the three bodies of the Buddha (the trikaya Theory), which is considered the foundation of Mahayana philosophy. He examines how and why the philosophical concept of three bodies was formed, particularly the Sambhogakaya , which is the Buddha to be worshipped by all Mayahanists. Written in an accessible way, this work is an outstanding research text for students and scholars of Mayahana Buddhism and anyone interested in Buddhist philosophy. Book Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 4 Copyright......Page 5 Contents......Page 8 Acknowledgements......Page 11 Abbreviations......Page 12 Glossary......Page 14 Introduction......Page 16 1 The concept of the Buddha in early Buddhism......Page 22 2 The concept of the Buddha in the early Indian Buddhist Schools (I) The Sarv¡stiv¡da......Page 34 3 The concept of the Buddha in the early Indian Buddhist schools (II) The Mah¡s¡§ghika and other schools......Page 68 4 The origin and development of the dharmak1ya......Page 84 5 The origin and development of the Sa4bhogak1ya......Page 116 6 The origin and development of the nirm15ak1ya......Page 151 7 The attributes of the Buddha and other Buddhas in early and middle Mah¡y¡na s2tras......Page 162 Conclusion: The five basic stages in the development of the concept of the Buddha......Page 194 Notes......Page 202 Select bibliography......Page 248 Index......Page 262 "The Concept of the Buddha presents an analysis of one of the fundamental Mahayana Buddhist teachings, namely the three bodies of the Buddha (the trikaya theory), which is considered the foundation of Mahayana philosophy. The author traces the development of the concept of the Buddha from the historical human teacher in early Buddhism to the philosophical concept of three bodies, particularly the sambhogakaya, which is the Buddha endowed with supernatural attributes and qualities. The author's translations from early and middle Mahayana sutras and sastras make newly accessible a wealth of material. This work is an outstanding research text for students and scholars of Mahayana Buddhism and anyone interested in Buddhist philosophy."--Jacket Guang Xing. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 187-246) And Index.