Outlines of Mahayana Buddhism

Name: Outlines of Mahayana Buddhism
Author: Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki

By Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki

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About This Book

A concise introduction that seeks to correct Western misunderstandings and outline the historical development and central doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism, combining popular exposition with scholarly analysis. It contrasts Mahayana with other early schools and surveys key themes such as non-self, karma, the notion of suchness, and the dharmakāya, while explaining psychological and metaphysical concepts like the tathāgata-garbha and ālaya-vijñāna. Chapters treat classification of knowledge, the relation of practice and speculation, the doctrine of trikāya, the bodhisattva ideal and its ten-stage path, and a Mahayana account of nirvāna, with an appendix of hymns expressing Mahayana faith.

About the Author

Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki

Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki was a prominent Japanese philosopher and writer, best known for his influential works on Zen Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. His writings, including "Essays in Zen Buddhism" and "Outlines of Mahayana Buddhism," played a crucial role in introducing Eastern philosophical concepts to Western audiences. Suzuki's exploration of Zen emphasized the importance of direct experience and meditation, making complex ideas accessible to a broader readership. His contributions have significantly shaped the understanding of Buddhist thought in the modern era, establishing him as a key figure in the dialogue between Eastern and Western philosophies.