Asanga is one of the most important philosophical personalities in the history of Buddhism. His contribution to Vijnanavada School of thought is unparalleled. The Vijnanavada school of Asanga is also known as Yogacara. For Asanga and others, the Absolute truth, i.e. pure consciousness (Vijnana) can only be realized by practice of yoga. That indicated the practical side of this school, while the word “Vijnanavada” brings out its speculative features. In its practical application it is described as Yogacara, i.e. following the path of Yoga.
The Mahayanasutralamkara by Asanga is a landmark in the development of Vijnanavada absolutism. This is a gigantic work on Mahayana Buddhism. The title itself indicates its manifold features of Mahayana. Putting it in Asanga’s own words, its an embellishment of Mahayana sutras. There is no Buddhist topic which is not touched by Asanga. Various topics of Buddhism are discussed on the lines of Mahayana in twenty-one chapters called Adhikasas with commentary.
The present book contains English translation of the Sanskrit text and commentary of the Mahayanasutr-alamkara. The book contains notes and an index of the terms. The book is published under Biblio theca-Indo Buddhica Series.
目次
Acknowledgements ix Introduction xi I The Preview of the Great Vehicle 1 II Recourse to Surrender 24 III The Gotra 33 IV Production of thought 42 V Eligibility to knowledge 59 VI The Reality (Tattva) 68 VII Influence (Power) 77 VIII The Maturation 85 IX The Illumination 103 X The Liberation 150 XI Question of Dharma 159 XII Preaching 224 XIII Acquirement (knowledge) 244 XIV The Advice (preaching) and the lesson 259 XV The Act accompanied by remedies 282 XVI The Perfections 285 XVII The Worship, association with (service), the proof for it 339 XVIII The Wings of illumination 379 XIX The Virtue 455 XX & XXI The Establishment of Conduct 497 Appendix 536 Index 541
