Buddhist DoctrinesArising Due, Sakyamuni Buddha, Mount Meru, Lake Anavatapta, Holy Path, Indian Buddhism; Indian Buddhist; Indian Mainstream; Buddha Sakyamuni; Indian Hinayana; Six Faculties
摘要
"Mainstream" is defined here as the early Indian teaching of Buddha himself but is not restricted to the canon written in the Pali language. It reflects Hinayana texts also accepted by Mahayana adherents. A London Buddhist Society scholar and lecturer, Cheetham is a seasoned Buddhist of 40 years. Using major texts and commentaries, he tackles the difficult concepts of dependent arising, reassembly of one's constitution after rebirth, karmic ripening, etc. But the meditative techniques he presents are more suitable for committed Buddhists than novices. While helpful metaphors abound, Cheetham's writing style is thorough but unexciting. Concerned with the purity of the Buddha's teachings, he uses many Sanskrit and Pali terms in the belief that students must gain a familiarity with the Hinayana foundations of the Mahayana ideals. Not for the neophyte, this book is recommended for academic and large public libraries. Dara Eklund, Los Angeles P.L.