This book is in four parts. The first part consists of Introduction by H.S. Prasad. He argues for sempiternal, dynamic and substantive reality underlying all appearances. He shows that as one rises to a Higher Level of consciousness, the various yanas, like srdvakayana, pratyeka-buddhayana, bodhisattvayana and maha-yana, all merge into ekayana; for each contributes to the gradual realisation of the oneness of ultimate reality, thus paving the way for the emergence of Universal culture. On Prasad's view the much talked-about negativism of the Madhyamika - sarvadrstisunyata - is not an end in itself, rather it is a basis for the realisation of the Essential unity of all beings, sentient as well as insentient, leading to the Cultivation and promotion of universal good, compassion and friendliness.
In the second part is reprinted the Sanskrit text of Maitreya's Uttaratantra (Ratnagotravibhaga). The third part includes corrections and emendations suggested by Jikido Takasaki in the Sanskrit text in the light of Tibetan and Chinese versions. The fourth part is an English translation of the text from its Tibetan version by E. Obermiller.
This book is a radical departure from the traditional interpretations of Buddhism and the Madhyamika Philosophy in particular. It aims at reviving philosophy as Cultural activity, a path to enlightenment and Spiritual discipline. |
