History of Prajna Thought

Author: (Japanese) Yasushi Yamakawa
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-07-01
Features: The author, Mr. Yasushi Yamakawa, is proficient in Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Chinese literature. With a solid foundation in linguistics, he has conducted in-depth research on the original texts of the Madhyamaka and Yogācāra schools of Indian Buddhism, exerting a profound influence in the field of international Buddhist studies. Mr. Yamakawa has authored numerous works throughout his life, such as The Achievements of Vasubandhu, An Introduction to Buddhist Thought, The System of Tibetan Language, A History of Indian Culture, Commentary and Explanation of the Distinguishing the Middle from the Extreme, Compendium of the Middle Way by Chandrakīrti, Buddhist Madhyamaka Studies, The Original Texts of Vasubandhu's Yogācāra, and A History of Praj?āpāramitā Thought, among others. The translator chose to introduce A History of Praj?āpāramitā Thought to Chinese readers first among Mr. Yamakawa's many works for three main reasons: First, although A History of Praj?āpāramitā Thought is not a lengthy work, it is a comprehensive summary by Mr. Yamakawa that aims to reveal the essence of the Madhyamaka and Yogācāra schools of thought based on his in-depth study of original texts. Second, Mr. Yamakawa titled this work A History of Praj?āpāramitā Thought with great intention, as it represents a highly meaningful attempt from an academic perspective to break down the barriers between Madhyamaka, Yogācāra, and Tathāgatagarbha thought through the concept of "praj?ā." Third, in A History of Praj?āpāramitā Thought, Mr. Yamakawa conducts an in-depth exploration of the historical context in which the Tathāgatagarbha thought emerged and uncovers the core idea of "the arising of all things is the Tathāgatagarbha" from the Compendium of the Ultimate Vehicle's Precious Nature. In other words, in his view, the term "Tathāgatagarbha" mentioned in the Compendium of the Ultimate Vehicle's Precious Nature refers to "the arising of all things," which holds significant reference value for resolving the disputes that have arisen internationally over the concept of "Tathāgatagarbha thought" in the past two decades. This book consists of ten chapters. Depending on the different issues discussed in each chapter, the descriptive style varies. The first three chapters serve as the introduction to the entire book, as they must clarify various perspectives here to prepare for the chapters that follow.