A Survey of Buddhism: Its Doctrines and Methods Through the Ages

The first chapter investigates the Buddha's life, the historical and cosmological dimensions of Buddhist tradition, and the philosophical foundations of Enlightenment. Major doctrinal discussions include dependent origination, the twelve links of conditioned existence, the Four Noble Truths, the Middle Way, morality, meditation, and wisdom.

The second chapter examines the historical emergence of Mahāyāna Buddhism, its relationship with earlier Buddhist schools, and the development of distinctive philosophical principles, particularly emptiness, the two truths, and universal Buddhahood.

The third chapter surveys major Mahāyāna philosophical schools and scriptures, including Prajñāpāramitā, Madhyamaka, Yogācāra, Pure Land Buddhism, and Tantric traditions. Attention is given to their different interpretations of reality and methods of spiritual realization.

The final chapter explores the Bodhisattva ideal, emphasizing the aspiration to Enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, the cultivation of compassion, and the practice of the perfections.