There are three main schools of Buddhism, namely the Theravada, the Mahayana, and the Tantrayana. This classification is based on metaphysical and epistemological aspects. All the three schools have their own literature, such as the Theravada school has a rich literature in Pali while Mahayani literature has opted Sanskrit to present its views. Again, the Tantrayana sect has its literature in hybrid Sanskrit. Credit goes to Mauryan Emperor Asoka to expand the message of Buddha outside India. Due to his great effort Theravada Buddhism propagated in Sri Lanka and Myanmar in south and south-east and in north-east up to Afghanistan. After these three countries Buddhism also reached in Thailand, Vietnam, Kampuchea, Indonesia and Malaysia. Up to 10th century CE people of Afghanistan, Indonesia and Malaysia were followers of Buddhism but after that they were converted into Islam, but accept these three countries rest of the all countries are following Buddhism till date. All the south and south-east Asian countries have Buddhist scriptures in their own languages.
During the reign of Kushan Emperor Kanishka, the Mahayana form of Buddhism was introduced in Afghanistan, Central Asia and China. From China it reached in Korea and from Korea to Japan. From the beginning of the Christian Era up to present time China, Korea and Japan are following the path of Buddha. Nepal is an exceptional case where Buddhism was introduced during the time of Buddha himself and it is continued up to present time. Here, at first Theravada was introduced but later Mahayana and Tantrayana became dominating sects. In Tibet Buddhism was introduced very late, ie. in 7th century CE via China and Nepal. In 8th century CE Indian scholars like Shantarakshita, Padmasambhava, Kamalsheel and many more visited in this Himalayan country from Nalanda, a great centre of Buddhism. In 11th century CE Dipankar Srijnana reached Tibet from Vikramshila University. Since 7th century CE up to present time Tibet is follwing the mixed form of Mahayana and Tantrayana form of Buddhism. Since 8th century CE Bhutan is also following the mixed form of Mahayana and Tantrayana Buddhism and showed a great respect to the religion till date. All these Asian countries have Buddhist scriptures in their own languages. The Theravadi Pali literature is collected under three pitakas, ie. Vinaya, Sutta and Abhidhamma. Again, Vinaya Pitaka is divided into five categories:
1. Parajika 2. Pachittiya 3. Mahavagga 4. Chullavagga, and 5. Parivara
This book is dedicated to Buddhist scriptures which is available worldwide. Buddhist philosophical thoughts and its impact upon Buddhist literature, and Buddhist scriptures found outside India, like-Sri Lanka and South-East Asian countries, Central Asia and Afghanistan, Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan, China and Korea and Japan is the theme of the book. In short, the book covers all the region wherever Buddhist scriptures are found. The book is well supported by a rich bibliography. Hope the book will be beneficial for those curious people who want to know every aspect of Buddhist literature.
Dr. G. K. Lama, Professor, Department of AIHC & Archaeology, Centre of Advanced Study, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, having specialization in the field of Archaeology, Buddhism, Art & Architecture and Asian Studies, has 60 books in his credit till date. He haspresented 90 research papers in various National and International seminars and 130 research papers have been published in various reputed journals, edited books, conference proceedings and felicitation volumes. He has completed a Major Research Project entitled Archaeological Investigation in and around Nalanda, granted by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, which was submitted in 2015. The author has also completed 16 projects regarding archaeological investigations in Sikkim, Eastern and Western UP and Bihar with the kind permission of Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi. He has invited twice to Sri Lanka, and once to Nepal and Thailand to deliver special lectures.
Art (293)
Biography (233)
Buddha (1979)
Children (97)
Deities (48)
Healing (34)
Hinduism (56)
History (551)
Language & Literature (470)
Mahayana (416)
Mythology (91)
Philosophy (466)
Sacred Sites (118)
Tantric Buddhism (90)
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