100p., Index, 23 cm., (Bibliotheca Indo-Buddhica Series No. 171)
CONTENTS
CONTENTS:- 1. Buddha's concept of the laity 2. What is Nirvana? 3. The path to Nirvana 4. Can a lay Buddhist attain Nirvana? 5. The lay disciples of the Buddha 6. The Bhikkhu-Sangha and the laity 7. The Bodhisattva ideal in Theravada and Mahayana
DESCRIPTION
What is the status of laity in Buddhism? Can a lay-Buddhist attain Nirvana? This question has been a matter of discussion among scholars for long. In this study, the author, after examining all the Original sources, shows that lay-life is no impediment in realizing Nirvana. He asserts that the Buddha preached the same Dhamma to all, and all his disciples - monks, nuns, laity - had also an equal opportunity to enter, walk and attain the blessed state of Nirvana the highest Spiritual goal in Buddhism. That many laity had actually done so in the past is more than evident from numerous references in the Pali scriptures.
