Buddhist Sects and Sectarianism

Buddhist Sects and Sectarianism, by Bibhuti Baruah, is a historical study of the origin, development, and diversification of Buddhist schools and sectarian traditions. First published by Sarup & Sons, New Delhi, in 2000, the book examines the emergence of divisions within the Buddhist Saṅgha and traces the growth of major sectarian lineages from the early Sthavira/Theravāda and Mahāsāṃghika traditions to later forms of Buddhism. The work discusses the first schisms, the formation of sub-sects, and the different accounts preserved in Theravādin, Mahāsāṃghika, Sammītiya, Tibetan, and Chinese sources. It also surveys a broad range of traditions, including Mahāyāna, Theravāda, Tantric Buddhism, Yogācāra, Newar Buddhism, Bhutanese Buddhist sects, Nichiren, Amida, Tendai, Shingon, Zen, and Millennial Buddhism. The table of contents shows that the book combines the study of early Buddhist institutional conflict with later developments across South, Central, and East Asian Buddhism. As a reference work, it is particularly useful for students and researchers interested in Buddhist sectarian history, early Buddhist councils, doctrinal disputes, monastic divisions, and the historical development of Buddhist schools.