Metaphysics and Mysticism in Mahayana Buddhism : An Analytical Study of the Ratnagotravibhago-Mahayanottaratantra-Sastram Book

Contents: Preface. 1. General introduction. 2. The Ratna-gotra-vibhago-mahayanottara-tantra-sastram: an introduction. 3. The first three Vajra points: the three jewels. 4. The fourth Vajra point: Tathagata-garbha. 5. The fifth and sixth vajra points: the Bodhi and the guna. 6. The seventh vajra point: the Krtya-kriya of the Tathagata. 7. The advantage of having faith in the Tathagata-garbha teaching. 8. Conclusion: metaphysics and mysticism in the Uttaratantra. Epilogue. Bibliography. Index.

"Canonical and classical Mahayana literature falls into two classes viz., Prajnaparamita and the Tathagatagarbha classes. The Ratnagotravibhago Mahayanottara-tantra Sastra, popularly known as the Uttaratantra, is the foremost example of the Tathagata-garbha literature. In this volume the author makes an exegetical and analytic study of the same text, and brings out the metaphysical and mystical bearings of Mahayana Buddhism. The teaching of the Uttaratantra is a perfect blend of philosophy, religion, spiritual discipline mysticism and metaphysics — a blend which is characteristic of Buddhism.

Tathagata-garbha is an important Mahayana principle, which explains that all living beings possesses the essence of Buddha-hood (sarva sattvas-tathatagata-garbhah). Tatha-gata-garbha theory is a teaching that gives great optimism for all living beings in the pursuit of Bodhi enlightenment  or Buddhatva (Buddha-hood). This theory enshrines in it a sublime concept that all the sentient beings are potential Buddhas or all will attain Buddha-hood. Owing to the presence to Thatagata-garbha in all, once perceives the equality of oneself with others, and works of the well-being all living beings, a one's entire life motif. According A.K. Chatterjee, and outstanding authority on Yogacara idealism, the author "brings out beautifully the implication of the notion of the Tathagatagarba" in this volume." (jacket)