History of Prajna Thought (Juequn Buddhist Studies Series)

Author: (Japanese) Yasushi Yamakawa, translated by Xiao Ping, Yang Jinping
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 studied 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, The Explanation and Commentary on the Distinguishing the Middle Way from the Extremes, The Commentary on Candrakīrti's Middle Way, Studies on Madhyamaka Buddhism, The Original Texts of Vasubandhu's Yogācāra, and A History of Praj?āpāramitā Thought, among others. The translators 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 not a large work, A History of Praj?āpāramitā Thought is a comprehensive study by Mr. Yamakawa that aims to reveal the essence of the Madhyamaka and Yogācāra schools of thought based on his in-depth research of original texts. Second, Mr. Yamakawa titled this work A History of Praj?āpāramitā Thought with great intention, as it represents a significant academic effort 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 of the emergence of Tathāgatagarbha thought and uncovers the core idea of "the arising of all things is the Tathāgatagarbha" from the Treatise on the Incomparably Excellent Nature of the Ultimate Vehicle. In other words, in his view, the term "Tathāgatagarbha" mentioned in the Treatise on the Incomparably Excellent Nature of the Ultimate Vehicle refers to "the arising of all things," which holds great reference value in resolving the disputes surrounding Tathāgatagarbha thought that have arisen internationally over 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 discussions that follow in chapters four and beyond.