Guide to Buddhahood, Being a Standard Manual of Chinese Buddhism

Book Details:

• Title: Guide to Buddhahood

• Author: Timothy Richard

• Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2008

• ISBN: 9788170308720

• Pages: 132

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 23 cm x 6.0 inches

• Weight: 290 gm

About the Book:

This book, Guide to Buddhahood, offers an organized and systematic presentation of the stages of Buddhist practice, from the lowest scale of existence to the attainment of Buddhahood. The Chinese call it Hsuan Fo Pu, and it serves as an essential resource for anyone looking to understand the progressive path in Buddhist philosophy. The book is divided into fifteen chapters, each focusing on a distinct aspect of the Buddhist journey, such as:

1. Departure from Evil

2. Imperfect Religious Life

3. The Four States of Existence

4. The Human Sphere of Existence

5. The Visible and Invisible Realms of Brahma

6. Doing Good and Suppressing Evil

7. Growth of Discipline

8. Growth of Contemplation

9. Growth of Wisdom

10. Hinayana School

11. Union School

12. Mahayana School

13. Complete School

14. Pure Land School

15. The Highest Attainment: Buddhahood

The book carefully addresses the progression through various stages in the path of Buddhism, guiding readers from the foundational concepts to the highest goal of Buddhahood, and offers an overview of the different Buddhist schools and their respective paths.

Preface:

Timothy Richard reflects on the importance of Buddhism and its systematic arrangement in this book. He contrasts his translation with previous works, noting that Dr. Eitel's Dictionary of Buddhism was once considered an authoritative work but mistakenly called a "Handbook on Buddhism." In this book, Richard seeks to provide a logical order of Buddhist concepts, starting from the most elementary stages and moving towards the highest attainment, Buddhahood. His translation, done in 1895, was initially revised with the aim to present Buddhism in a clear and digestible format for Western readers who are often unfamiliar with the intricate details of Chinese Buddhism.

Richard expresses his hope that the book will assist in reducing the confusion caused by Western interpretations of Buddhism, particularly the Mahayana and Hinayana schools, which some have mistakenly conflated with Christianity and other Western religions.

Introduction:

The introduction explains the historical context of Chinese Buddhism, highlighting its evolution and the difference between the Old Buddhism (Hinayana) and New Buddhism (Mahayana). Richard draws parallels between these schools of Buddhism and compares them with Christianity, emphasizing the differences in religious development. He critiques Western scholars for failing to recognize the importance of the Mahayana tradition, which includes ideas like Amitabha (the God of endless age) and the concept of grace in Buddhist practice.

Richard emphasizes that this book is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in Chinese Buddhism, as it presents a clear pathway through Buddhist teachings and practices, much like a Buddhist Pilgrim's Progress.

Conclusion:

The Guide to Buddhahood serves as a valuable text for anyone wishing to understand the essence of Buddhist practice and its progression. Richard’s work brings a well-structured and accessible format to a complicated subject, allowing readers to explore Buddhism from the foundational concepts to the ultimate goal of attaining Buddhahood.

The text stands as an important work for students, practitioners, and scholars of Buddhism, especially for those interested in the Chinese perspective and the Mahayana path.