Buddhist Cosmology: Philosophy and OriginsThis extensively researched and illustrated volume offers Western readers a rare introduction to Buddhism's complex and fascinating views about the structure of the universe. The book begins by clearly explaining classical cosmology, with its symmetrical, India-centered universe and multitudinous heavens and hells, and illuminates the cosmos's relation to the human concerns of karma, transmigration, and enlightenment. It moves on to discuss the Mahayana conception of the universe as a lotus flower containing uncountable realms, each with its own buddha. Then, examining changes in the notions of hell and the gods, the author traces Buddhism's gradual shift from a religion to a mythology. Throughout, treatment of Buddhism's historical, geographical, and doctrinal origins complements detailed cosmological descriptions. Finally, the author shows us how this ancient philosophy resembles the modern scientific view of the cosmos, and how even today it can help us lead more fulfilling lives. |
Contents
List of Figures | 9 |
Editorial Note | 15 |
Hells Heavens and Other Realms | 41 |
Copyright | |
10 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
Abhidharmakośa abode Acala According Adornment Amitabha Anavatapta ancient appears asura atoms Avalokitesvara Avici bodhisattva body Brahmanic Buddha buddha-lands Buddhist cosmology calendar called century C.E. Chinese translation Commentary concept deities demons depicted devas Dharma Dhyana Dhyana heavens elements evil evildoers existence figure four landmasses fragrant ocean golden earth layer Greek Hindu hot hells human hungry spirits idea Indian Indra inhabitants intermediate kalpas Jambudvipa Japan Japanese jewels kalpa karma Kṣitigarbha living lotus flower Lotus Repository World Mahāyāna Buddhism Maitreya means Mochizuki's month moon Mount Sumeru mountain originally palace Photo pre-Mahāyāna Pure Land realm of desire realm of form realm of formlessness rebirth river Sahā Śākyamuni samādhi Sanskrit Sanzu no kawa seven six paths span stūpa suffering Sukhāvati Sūtra Taishō Tripitaka theory thirty-three gods thought thousand Tokyo trans transmigration trees Tripitaka Tușita heaven unclear unclear unclear universe Uttarakuru Vairocana wind circle world system yakṣas Yama yojanas