Overview for The Buddha Nature: A Study of the Tathagatagarbha and Alayavijnana
One of the fundamental tenets of Mahayana Buddhism animating and grounding the doctrine and discipline of its spiritual path, is the inherent potentiality of all animate beings to attain the supreme and perfect enlightenment of Buddhahood. This book examines the ontological presuppositions and the corresponding Soteriological-epistemological principles that sustain and define such a theory. Within the field of Buddhist studies, such a work provides a comprehensive context in which to interpret the influence and major insights of the various Buddhist schools. The book's contribution to the broader field of the History of Religions rests in its presentation and analysis of Buddhist Enlightenment as the salvific-transformation moment in which Tathata 'awakens' to itself, comes to perfect self-realization as the Absolute Suchness of reality, in and through phenomenal human consciousness. The book is an interpretation of the Buddhist Path as the spontaneous self-emergence of 'embryonic' absolute knowledge as it comes to free itself from the concealments of adventitious defilements, and possess itself in fully self-explicitated self-consciousness as the 'Highest Truth' and unconditional nature of all existence; it does so only in the form of omniscient wisdom.
Brian Edward Brown (Author)
Brian Edward Brown has earned doctoral degrees in both theology and law. In 1981 he received his Ph.D in the History of religions from Fordham University. In 1986 he was awarded his Juris Doctor from New York University School of law. Both degrees reflect his continuing interest in the various religious traditions and their influence upon the development of legal philosophies and practice. Dr. Brown has taught and lectured on the history of religions and comparative philosophy at several colleges and has practiced law as an associate attorney in an international law firm in New York. Currently, he is an assistant professor of religion at Lona College.
Bagchee
