Abstract

While approaching scriptures and other documentary resources on Indian Buddhism, we look at the development through a fourfold classification: ① the era of original Buddhism, ② the establishment of sectarian Buddhism, ③ the founding of Mahayana Buddhism, and ④ the formation of esoteric Buddhism. We provide detailed explanations from the formation of religious congregations to their subsequent sects and developments. Additionally, we investigate the process through which Buddhism, while almost disappearing in India in the early 13th century, was reaccepted in the modern era. Moreover, we consider non-documentary resources such as archaeological relics, artworks, and architectural structures, accompanying our discussion with relevant photographs.

Author’s Information

Yasuaki Nara
Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1929. He is an Emeritus Professor of Komazawa University. After graduating from the Faculty of Literature at the University of Tokyo in 1953, he studied abroad at the University of Calcutta in 1956. In 1961, he became a lecturer at Komazawa University, later serving as an associate professor, professor, president, and chancellor of the same university. He holds a Doctorate in Literature and previously served as the head priest of Hoseiji Temple. His major works include "Buddhism and Humans" and "History of Buddhism I - India & Southeast Asia".

Masahiro Shimoda
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1957. He graduated from the Faculty of Literature at the University of Tokyo and completed the doctoral program in the Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences at the same university. He studied abroad at the University of Delhi in India. After serving as a research fellow at the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and an assistant professor at the Faculty of Literature, University of Tokyo, he is now a professor at the Graduate School of the same university. His specialty is Indian Buddhism. His main work is "A Study of the Nirvana Sutra".