Pure Dharma and Stupas: A Study on Early Buddhist History in India

Author: Zhan Ru
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: This book is an academic monograph on the early Buddhist monastic discipline and beliefs in India. Based on extensive literary sources and epigraphical materials, the author provides an in-depth analysis and study of the early Buddhist monastic community's discipline (Vinaya) and stupa worship. It is pointed out that the discipline (Vinaya) is the code of conduct for Buddhist monks, primarily concerning food and clothing. The schism within Indian Buddhism originated from various divergent interpretations and understandings of the discipline (Vinaya). The author also conducts an in-depth exploration of various aspects of stupa worship, arguing that under the influence of traditional customs, stupa worship gradually became one of the forms of Buddhist belief and also one of the ways to understand the Hinayana (Theravada) Buddhism. It had a certain influence on the emergence of Mahayana Buddhism.