Indian Buddhism

by A.K. Warder

This book describes the Buddhism of India on the basis of the comparison of all the available original sources in various languages. It falls into three approximately equal parts. The first is a reconstruction of the original Buddhism presupposed by the traditions of the different schools known to us. It uses primarily the established methods of textual criticism, drawing out of the oldest extant texts of the different schools their common kernel. This kernel of doctrine is presumably common Buddhism of the period before the great schisms of the fourth and third centuries BC. It may be substantially the Buddhism of the Buddha himself, though this cannot be proved: at any rate it is a Buddhism presupposed by the schools as existing about a hundred years after the Parinirvana of the Buddha, and there is no evidence to suggest that it was formulated by anyone other than the Buddha and his immediate followers. The second part traces the development of the 'Eighteen Schools' of early Buddhism, showing how they elaborated their doctrines out of the common kernel. Here we can see to what extent the Sthaviravada, or 'Theravada' of the Pali tradition, among others, added to or modified the original doctrine. The third part describes the Mahayana movement and the Mantrayana, the way of the bodhisattva and the way of ritual. The relationship of the Mahayana to the early schools is traced in detail, with its probable affiliation to one of them, the Purva Saila, as suggested by the consensus of the evidence. Particular attention is paid in this book to the social teaching of Buddhism, the part which relates to the 'world' rather than to nirvana and which has been generally neglected in modern writings Buddhism.

Genres: Buddhism, History, Religion, Nonfiction, Philosophy

601 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[xiao yun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides introductions to main doctrines of the Buddha and makes brief doctrinal survey after the schisms among different schools against historical background of India society. It provides certain clarity to lineage of teachers and their arguments for their positions against the times of Indian society then and shared enthusiasm for a common teacher. It is a good book, much appreciated for author's insights and perspective, sometimes connoted with a "?" and expertise in the subject.

[mercy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A broad overview of Indian Buddhism, neither shallow nor deep. The highlight of this text is the chapters on the history of early Buddhism and its relationship with the broader geopolitical context of India.

Warder does not deeply investigate the conflicts between historical sources, typically presenting a single plausible historical narrative. This makes the text very approachable at the cost of representation.

Warder's bias against and lack of understanding regarding the Mahayana is evident in the later chapters. Rather than an objective coverage, Warder's opinions regarding the illegitimacy of the Mahayana and its lack of true Buddhist spirit pervade the presentation.

While quite useful as an introductory text for the history of early Buddhism, Warder fails to adequately cover its other topics. Warder's coverage of the early doctrine is short, and his coverage of the Mahayana is in bad faith.

Chapters 1-3, 7-9 contain Warder's coverage of the history of early Buddhism. I recommend finding alternative resources for the other chapters.

[A. M. Faisal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive and extensive look on the origin story of Buddhism and the flow of the very philosophy in the Indian region. Often burdened with information and facts which may bore a reader but it has to be kept in mind that it's a book based on research and meant for research. The schisms and the initial teachings are well-reflected in the whole course of work. The most likable fact is there is little to no inclination toward any narration. Rather writer tried to present every source that was available to him. Now, if he chose to pick the sources to tailor his writings, then I am none to say. And none to know.
Good read and recommended for passionate learner of Buddhism if native texts are not available.