The Central Conception of Buddhism

This book elucidates the principle of Radical pluralism by its contrast with Aramabhavada which maintains the reality of the whole as well as of the elements and with Parniamavada which maintains the reality of the whole as well as of the elements and with Parniamavada which ascribes absolute reality to the whole.

The book is divided into sixteen sections which deals with the Skandahas, Ayatanas, Dhatus, Elements of Mind, Pratityasamutpada, Karma, Impermanence in Sankhya Yoga, Theory of Cognition, Pre-Buddhistic Buddhism etc.

The books contains two appendices dealing with the view of Vasubandhu on the fundamental principles of Sarvastivada and the classification of all elements of existence according the Sarvastivadins. Two indices included in the book gives proper names and Sanskrit terms occurring in the book.

Preface

This short treatise was originally conceived as a contribution to the Royal Asiatic Society’s Journal: its size induced the Council to publish it as a monograph, and my best thanks are due to the Council for this kind decision. I must also express my gratitude to Mrs. C. A. F. Rhys Davids, who was always ready to help with her vast knowledge of Pali literature. Professor H. Jacobi kindly went through the proofs, and to him I am indebted for many a valuable suggestion. Dr. McGovern contributed some of the references to Dr. F. W. Thomas, who devoted much of his precious time to the revision of my work and to carrying it through the press.

In transliteration I have usually not distinguished the guttural, etc., nasals, when occurring before the consonants of their respective classes.