Encyclopaedia of Buddhism: A World Faith, Volume 16: Vedic Religious Tradition

The volume begins by situating Buddhism within the cultural and philosophical landscape of ancient India. Its chapters examine Hindu tradition and ethos, the unity and diversity of Indian culture, revelation and the human search for reality, applied Vedānta, karma, reincarnation, transmigration and liberation. Subsequent discussions address the relationship between the Buddha and Śaṅkara, Buddhism’s influence on Hinduism, centres of enlightenment, the nature of life and the universe, transcendental love, the Upaniṣads and Buddhist teachings, Hindu scriptures, the Indian religious renaissance, self-realisation and yajña. Through these themes, the author seeks to identify both continuities and doctrinal differences between Buddhism and the Vedic religious tradition.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Essentially a Part of Hindu Tradition

3. Hindu Ethos

4. Togetherness

5. Totality of Hindu Culture

6. Seemingly Differs

7. Revelation: The Divine Reason

8. Human Quest for Reality

9. Applied Vedanta

10. Karma Doctrine

11. Reincarnation and Rebirth

12. Transmigration and Salvation

13. Reincarnation of Vishnu

14. The Uncaused Cause

15. The Epitome of Perfect Knowledge

16. Secularism: Vedic Faith

17. Vedanta Tends Towards Unity

18. Buddha and Shankara

19. Buddhism Moulded Hinduism

20. Essence of Hinduism

21. Centres of Enlightenment

22. A Balanced View

23. Essence of Life

24. Universe: The Eternal “I”

25. Transcendental Love

26. Upanishads and the Buddha

27. Ekam Sad Vipra Bahuda Vadanti

28. Hindu Scriptures

29. The Renaissance

30. The Self Realisation

31. Concept of Yajna

32. Appraisal and Sum Up