T’ien-T’ai Buddhism and Early Madhyamika

Publisher: Originals, Delhi
Author: Mahendra & P. Mittal
Language: English
Edition: 2002
ISBN: 9788170304661
Pages: 294
Cover: Hardcover
Dimensions: 23 cm x 15 cm
Weight: 540 gm

About the Book

The teachings of the Buddha have influenced the world in profound ways, shaping not just the spiritual landscape of India and Asia, but of the entire world. This book delves into the revolutionary thoughts and practices of the Buddha, whose message of Prajna (wisdom) and Karuna (compassion) transcends all boundaries of race, religion, and nationality. His advocacy for universal compassion, the eradication of suffering, and his focus on self-realization continues to inspire humanity today.

Buddha’s doctrines of Brahmaviharas—Maitri (loving-kindness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (sympathetic joy), and Upeksa (equanimity)—offer essential solutions to modern societal issues such as materialism and ego-centricism. This book is a call for a cultural renaissance, offering the wisdom of Buddha as a potential remedy to the increasing divisiveness and consumerism of the modern world. It explores the Buddha’s teachings and how they can be applied to address the urgent challenges facing humanity today.

The volume, part of a four-book series, compiles articles published in the Indian Historical Quarterly, offering a scholarly look at the life, teachings, and impact of the Buddha. By renewing cross-cultural interactions, the teachings of the Buddha can provide a global platform for mutual understanding, spiritual unity, and the development of a more holistic worldview.

Introduction

Born into a life of luxury, the Buddha was deeply moved by the suffering of the world, leading him to embark on a spiritual quest. Through intense meditation and profound insight, he discovered the path to Nirvana, a way to end suffering and escape the cycle of birth and death (bhava cakra). His teachings, encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, have influenced not only India but the entire world.

The Buddha was a reformer, drawing from the vast spiritual traditions of India while criticizing the distortions in the Vedic practices of his time. His message was one of peace, wisdom, and compassion, advocating for a life of simplicity and mindfulness. This work outlines the Buddha’s transformative journey from a prince to a spiritual teacher and provides critical insights into his philosophy and its relevance to modern times.