The genesis of the bodhisattva ideal
By: Anālayo ; [Center for Buddhist Studies, University of Hamburg]
Series: Hamburg Buddhist studies -- 1; Hamburg Buddhist studies -- 1.
Publisher: Hamburg University Press
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Hamburg
Language: eng
Number of pages: 177
ISBN-13: 9783937816623
Subjects: Bodhisattva (The concept); Bodhisattva stages (Mahayana Buddhism); Bodhisattvas; Buddha (The concept)
Description: In this book, Bhikkhu Anālayo investigates the genesis of the bodhisattva ideal, one of the most important concepts in the history of Buddhist thought. He brings together material from the corpus of the early discourses preserved mainly in Pāli and Chinese that appear to have influenced the arising of the bodhisattva ideal. Anālayo convincingly shows that the early sources do not present compassionate concern for others as a motivating force for the Buddha's quest for awakening. He further offers an analysis of the only reference to Maitreya in the Pāli canon, showing that this reference is most likely a later addition. In sum, Bhikkhu Anālayo is able to delineate a gradual genesis of central aspects of the bodhisattva ideal by documenting (1) an evolution in the bodhisattva concept reflected in the early discourses, (2) the emergence of the notion of a vow to pursue the path to buddhahood, and (3) the possible background for the idea of a prediction an aspirant to buddhahood receives from a former buddha.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.