The Origin and Development of Buddhist Monastic Education in India

The book is organized into five principal chapters. Chapter One, “Buddhism: A Survey,” introduces the historical background of Buddhism, the Buddha’s birth and early life, the Great Renunciation, Enlightenment, first sermon, establishment of the Saṅgha, philosophical teachings such as the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, preservation of the Buddha’s words, Buddhist councils, expansion of Buddhism in India and abroad, Buddhist philosophical schools, Buddhist literature, and the modification, decline, and revival of Buddhism. Chapter Two, “Buddhist Sūtra Literature,” discusses the scope, variety, and linguistic breadth of Buddhist textual traditions. Chapter Three, “The Pabbajjā and Upasampadā Ceremonies,” examines monastic initiation and ordination as foundations of Buddhist education. Chapter Four, “The Teachers and Preceptors of the Order,” analyzes the role of ācārya, upajjhāya, and the teacher–student relationship in the Saṅgha. Chapter Five, “The Vihāras and Mahāvihāras as Centres of Learning,” studies the institutional development of Buddhist monastic education, especially the emergence of major centres of learning such as Nālandā, Odantapuri, and Vikramaśīla.