Abstract

This definitive Buddhist guide traces the grand drama of the "birth of Buddhism," exploring how Buddha lived, the truths he awakened to, and what he sought to convey to us. The story of Buddha's truth, the history and fundamental knowledge of the Buddhism and Mahayana, along with glossary entries, biographies of high monks, and Buddhist history, are all contained in this single volume.
While retracing the religions and culture of ancient India where the Buddha lived, it guides the basic knowledge from the initial Buddhist communities to Mahayana Buddhism, which spread throughout Asia. The dictionary entries are also rich in information from Tibet and China. This comprehensive guide offers a profound understanding of Buddhism, its history, philosophy, and its widespread influence.

Author’s Information

Akira Suganuma was born in 1934 in Gunma Prefecture. He has a Doctorate in Literature. He has served as a professor in the Faculty of Literature at Toyo University and the 35th president of Toyo University. He is currently an emeritus professor at Toyo University. His main works include "89 Stories of Buddha and His Disciples" (Hozokan), "Dictionary of Indian Myths and Legends" (Tokyo-dou Publishing), "Reading the Vimalakirti Sutra" (Japan Broadcasting Publishing Association), and others.

Shogo Watanabe
Born in Gunma, 1953. D. (Literature, Toyo University). Currently a professor at the Toyo University Faculty of Letters. His main publications include "Daihannya to Rishubun no Zento" (All About Daihannya and Rishubun) (Hokushindo), "Hannya Shinkyō: Text, Thought, Culture" (Dahorinkaku), "Study of the Vajra Hannya Sutra" (Yamakibo Butsushorin), "Sanskrit Documentation of the Vajra Hannya Sutra" (Dahorinkaku), and others.
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