The Lalitavistara is one of the greatest Buddhist texts, and presents us with one of the earliest accounts of Buddha's life. Nothing is known about its author or the specific period of its composition. It is called a Vaipulya sutra of Buddhism. Composed in what is known as Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit, it is something of an enigma and there are still controversies about its interpretation. It is extremely important today not only as a religious text, but a sociological historical and linguistic document as well.

Lalitavistara, Bijoya Goswani (Translator), The Asiatic Society, Hardcover, 424 pages, $40.00

Dr. Biyoya Goswani graduated from Calcutta University with First class hons, in Sanskrit and pursued her higher studies in Jadavpur University, Kolkata, where she mastered in Sanskrit with specialization in literature and literary criticism. She did her doctorate in critical appreciation of Jagannathas Rasagangadhara. At present she is the professor of Sanskrit in the Jadavpur University. Her contributions to scholarly pursuits cover a wide range of inters, including metaphor, udayana-dramas.

CONTENTS: Lalitavistara
FOREWORD (To the reprinted edition)		v
FOREWORD (To the first edition)		vii
PREFACE		ix
LALITAVISTARA		1
CHAPTER I	The Introduction	3
CHAPTER II	The Incentive	11
CHAPTER III	The Purified Dynasty	19
CHAPTER IV	The Opening Light of the Doctrine	36
CHAPTER V	The Descent	46
CHAPTER VI	The Entrance to the Womb	61
CHAPTER VII	The Birth	79
CHAPTER VIII	The Visit to the Temple	115
CHAPTER IX	The Ornamenting	118
CHAPTER X	Visit to the Writing School	120
CHAPTER XI	The Agricultural Village	125
CHAPTER XII	Exhibition of Accomplishments	131
CHAPTER XIII	The Exhortation	150
CHAPTER XIV	The Dream	179
CHAPTER XV	The Departure	189
CHAPTER XVI	The Visit of Bimbisara	222
CHAPTER XVII	Course of Difficult Tasks	228
CHAPTER XVIII	The Nairanjana	244
CHAPTER XIX	Going to the Seat of Enlightenment	254
CHAPTER XX	Marvels of the Seat of Enlightenment	270
CHAPTER XXI	The Defeat of Mara	278
CHAPTER XXII	Perfect Enlightenment	312
CHAPTER XXIII	The Commendation	325
CHAPTER XXIV	Trapusa and Bhallika	336
CHAPTER XXV	Request for Instruction	357
CHAPTER XXVI	Turning the Wheel of Dharma	367
CHAPTER XXVII	The Conclusion	403
BIBLIOGRAPHY		409
INDEX		410