Abhidharmakosabhasyam Of Vasubandhu Vol I

This is the most important compendium of Indian Buddhist philosophy and psychology. The four volume masterwork begins with a history of Abhidharma literature and covers a vast array of subjects from a Buddhist viewpoint. Some of these subjects are Buddhist cosmology and the process of rebirth, karma and the Buddhist ethical theory, mental defilements, causes of suffering and the path to enlightenment, the supernatural powers of a Buddha, a taxonomy of meditative states and a refutation of the existence of soul. This is the first of 4 volumes.

This is the most important compendium of Indian Buddhist philosophy and psychology. The four volume masterwork begins with a history of Abhidharma literature and covers a vast array of subjects from a Buddhist viewpoint. Some of these subjects are Buddhist cosmology and the process of rebirth, karma and the Buddhist ethical theory, mental defilements, causes of suffering and the path to enlightenment, the supernatural powers of a Buddha, a taxonomy of meditative states and a refutation of the existence of soul. This is the second of 4 volumes.

Under the influence of his teacher, Louis de la Valle Poussin, Prof. Lamotte published several works in French, which were primarily editions, translations and commentaries on Tibetan and Chinese Buddhist texts. The theories and concepts contained in this particular work are closely related to those of the Abhidharmakosa, and as such it makes a valuable companion to that larger work. Here Prof. Pruden has provided a masterful English translation of Prof. Lamotte's work, and has added a brief biography of Prof. Lamotte and his scholarly accomplishments to familiarize the reader with this great scholar of Buddhism. "...Recommended for academic libraries..."--Choice