Encyclopaedia of Buddhism: A World Faith, Volume 11: Main Currents in Buddhism (with Kalachakra Abhisheka Viddhi in Sanskrit, English),

The introductory chapter begins with the Bodhisattva ideal and presents spontaneous compassion as one of the defining characteristics of Mahāyāna practice. Buddhism is described as an evolving tradition rather than a fixed body of doctrines, and Buddhist scriptures are broadly divided into sūtras and tantras. The chapter then introduces mantra, saṃskāra, ritual practices for the dead, Tantric elements in Hinduism and Buddhism, pilgrimage, Dharma, the Mahāyāna concept of the feminine, Śakti worship, and the historical interaction between Buddhist and Hindu religious traditions. 

The discussion subsequently turns to Buddhist images, women in Buddhist traditions, Mahāyāna philosophy, Śūnyatā, Prajñāpāramitā, Madhyamaka, Yogācāra, speculative philosophy, desire, consciousness, compassion, and the relationship between liberation and social life. The chapter also introduces mantra and visualization as distinctive features of Vajrayāna and explains the role of tantric practice in transforming ordinary perception and consciousness. 

• Table of Contents:

1. Introduction

2. Edifice of Buddhism

3. Emblem of Buddhism

4. Buddhism as Mantrism

5. Tantric Buddhism

6. Mythology

7. Bodhisattva Philosophy

8. Path of the Soul

9. Religion of Logic and Reason

10. Kalachakra: Wheel of Time

11. Bhavachakra: The Wheel of Life

12. Aurachakra: The Wheel of Light

13. Yogacara: A Major School of Mahayana

14. Theravada Buddhism: Dhamma is Duty, Norm, Right and Destiny

15. Sutra Tantra and Dzogchen

16. Tantra in Vedas and Puranas

17. Mahamudra

18. The Enlightenment

19. Appraisal and Sum Up

• Bibliography

• Glossary (English, Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit and Tibetan Terms)

• Appendix

• Index