Controversies Related to Buddhism

This book attempts to analyze the reasons for the growth of dissent and schism among the Buddhist Sanga community after the demise of Buddha and the consequent development of different Schools beginning with Mahasanghika and then Mahayana and perhaps ending with Vajrayana. It examines the influence of traditions such as Veda, Hinduism, Skepticism, Jainism etc. on the evolution of this process. How the important tenets and doctrines of Buddhism underwent change due to this process is studied and compared to emphasize the consequent differences. The Trilakhana , Existences, Mind and Psychology, Knowledge, Morals, Karma and Rebirth, Sunyatava , Logic, Idealism are some of the subjects and areas that come under examination in this study. Early Buddhism forms the basis for clarification. Contribution made by philosophers like Nagarjuna, Asanga, Vasubandu and others are discussed. Spread of Buddhism, its introduction into Sri Lanka and its decline in some countries are also briefly described.