This book presents an analysis of one of the fundamental Mahayana Buddhist teachings, namely the three bodies of the Buddha (the Trikaya Theory), which is considered the foundation of Mahayana philosophy. Uthor examines how and why from the historical human buddha the philosophical concept of three bodies was formed, particularly the Sambhogakaya, which is the Buddha to be worshipped by all Mayahanists. This work is an outstanding research text for students and scholars of Mayahana Buddhism and anyone interested in Buddhist philosophy.


Concept of the Buddha, Guang Xing, Routledge Curzon, Hardcover, 2005, 272 Pages, $125.00

Research Assistant Professor, Centre of Buddhist Studies, The University of Hong Kong Ph.D., SOAS, University of London, 2003 Fields of Specialty: Indo-Chinese Buddhism, Early Buddhism, Early Mahayana Buddhism, Chinese Buddhist thought and practice

Contents:

Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Glossary

Introductions

1. The concept of the Buddha in early Buddhism

2. The concept of the Buddha in the early Indian Buddhist Schools (I) The Sarvastivada

3. The concept of the buddha in the early Indian Buddhist schools (II) The Mahasamghika and other schools.

The origin and development of the Dharmakaya

The origin and development of the Sambhogakaya

The origin and development of the Nirmanakaya

The attributes of the Buddha and other Buddhas in early and middle Mahayana sutrasv

Conclusion: The five basic stages in the development of the concept of the Buddha

Appendix: Chronology of Chinese translation of Mahayana sutras and sastras.

Notes
Select bibliography
Index