A Study of the Mahāvastu

The book opens with an introductory discussion of the Mahāvastu, its textual position, literary character, and relation to earlier and parallel Buddhist sources. The first major part studies the Buddha’s career through the framework of the Mahāvastu, beginning with the Bodhisattva’s long preparation for Buddhahood, his connection with earlier Buddhas, and the narrative world of the Buddhavaṃsa and related traditions. It then examines geographical references, the Bodhisattva ideal, former births, predictions, and the accumulation of merit and virtues across successive lives. The next part focuses on the birth and renunciation cycle, including miraculous elements surrounding conception, birth, childhood, royal life, the recognition of suffering, and the decisive departure from household existence. Later discussions follow the Bodhisattva’s religious quest, austerities, conquest of Māra, enlightenment, and early teaching activity. The study also considers the narrative treatment of disciples, conversions, and the establishment of the Buddhist community. Across these sections, the author uses comparison with Pāli, Sanskrit, and other Buddhist textual traditions to clarify the distinctive contribution of the Mahāvastu to Buddhist biography, legend, and doctrinal development.