The Bodhisattva Doctrine in Buddhist Sanskrit Literature

The book is structured around seven principal chapters. “The Bodhisattva Doctrine” introduces the background of early Buddhism, the meaning of “bodhisattva,” the distinction between bodhisattva, arhat, and pratyeka-buddha, and the broader idea of Buddhahood. “Origin and Development of the Bodhisattva Doctrine” examines the natural development of Buddhism, the influence of Indian religious currents such as the Bhagavata and Śaiva traditions, Greek and Persian cultural factors, the emergence of bhakti, and the historical phases through which the doctrine matured. “The Thought of Enlightenment” analyzes bodhicitta, aspiration, worship, confession, transfer of merit, vows, prediction, and the question of time required for the bodhisattva career. “The Thirty-seven Dharmas” studies the classical aids to enlightenment, including mindfulness, right efforts, bases of power, faculties, powers, factors of awakening, and the Noble Eightfold Path. “The Pāramitās” presents the perfections as the central disciplines of the bodhisattva path. “The Bhūmis” explains the stages of spiritual advancement through which the bodhisattva progresses toward Buddhahood. “The Last Life and Enlightenment” completes the doctrinal arc by examining the final career of the bodhisattva and the attainment of supreme enlightenment.