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The Indian International Journal of Buddhist Studies

Published in Association with Bhikkhu Jagdish Kashyap Institute of Buddhist and Asian Studies

Current Volume: 24 (2024 )

ISSN: 0972-4893

Periodicity: Yearly

Month(s) of Publication: January - December

Subject: Buddhism

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The Indian International Journal of Buddhist Studies (IIJBS) is sponsored by the Bhikkhu Jagdish Kashyap Institute of Buddhist and Asian Studies, Varanasi, India. It is a New Series, starting from 1999-2000, in continuation of the Institute's earlier periodical, the Indian Journal of Buddhist Studies (IJBS) (Vols. I to X; 1989-1998). It is now published annually around Vaisakha Purnima (May-June).
IIJBS accepts scholarly contributions, in Hindi and English, pertaining to Buddhist Studies in a wider sense, in various disciplines such as anthropology, archaeology, art, history, philology, philosophy, politics, psychology, sociology etc., and in those dealing with texts and translations. It includes reviews, notices, bibliographical information and list of books received. Also, it reprints occasionally significant papers published in the past and elsewhere with due permission.
Manuscripts prepared in accordance with the standard international guidelines for publication may be sent electronically through email to the Editors. The editors reserve the right to accept or reject a contribution without assigning reasons. The Institute, the editors, the publishers and the printers assume no responsibility for the views expressed by the contributors. Books for reviews and notices may also be sent to editor at the address 76, Nandnagar, Karaundi, Varanasi–221005, India. Publication of reviews should not be taken for granted and unsolicited books may not be returned to the senders. A list of such books as well as those received in exchange by the Institute/IIJBS may be published along with their blurbs.

EBSCO

Founder Editor-in-Chief
Professor Emeritus A. K. Narain

Formerly Founder Editor-in- Chief
JIABS(1976-1986) and IJBS (1989-98)


Managing Editor and Trustee
Kamal Sheel

Secretary, Aditya Shyam Trust


Editor
Lalji Shravak

Pali and Buddhist Studies
Banaras Hindi University, Varanasi, India


C. D. Sebastain

Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, 
IIT Bombay, Mumbai, India


Assistant Editor
Dhriti Roy

Department of Chinese
School of Languages and Literarure
Sikkim University, Sikkim, India


Rajesh Kumar Singh

Independent Art Historian
Baroda, India


Editorial Advisory Board
Bhikkhu Dhammajoti, Hong Kong

Charles Willemen, Belgium

Huang Xianian, China

Richard Gombrich, U.K.

Shaoyong Ye, China

Bhikkhu Pasadika, Germany

David Fiordalis, U.S.A.

Nobuyoshi Yamabe, Japan

Roger R. Jackson, U.S.A.

Volume 24 Issue 1 , (Jan-2024 to Dec-2024)

Acitta in Early Prajñāpāramitā: Unconsciousness, Cessation Attainment,or Signlessness?

By: Bhikkhu Anālayo

Page No : 1-41

Abstract
The present article attempts to explore possible meaning(s) of what appears to be the earliest extant reference in Mahāyāna literature to the notion of acitta, found in a Gāndhārī manuscript of the text generally known as the Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā.

Author :
Bhikkhu Anālayo: Barre Centre for Buddhist Studies, 149 Lockwood Road, Barre, MA 01005, USA.

Price: 101

A Modern Approach to the Text of Supriya Sārthavāha Jātaka: A Sanskrit Buddhist Narrative as Told in the Bhadrakalpāvadāna

By: Soma Basu

Page No : 43-50

Author :
Soma Basu : Professor, School of Vedic Studies, Rabinda Bharati University, Kolkata -700050.

Price: 101

The Shores beyond the World: Fire and Ocean as Founding Metaphors of Early Buddhist Poetic Philosophy

By: Federico Divino

Page No : 51-88

Abstract
This paper explores the complex ways in which fire and water are used in Buddhist writing, clarifying their symbolic meaning in the context of doctrine. Fire, a symbol of material trappings and illusions of perception, represents the worldly energies of sensory awareness and habit, and must be ‘extinguished’ in order to be freed. On the other hand, water, the opposite of fire,represents the difficult, austere path that is dangerous but leads to peaceful stretches of land, like a river flowing into the ocean, which is a symbol for achieving spiritual enlightenment. This firewater dialectic, which is possibly evocative of earlier Indian poetry traditions, emphasizes how Buddhism uses vivid imagery to convey transcendent truths. It acknowledges the lyrical quality of Buddhist speech but cautions against severing it completely from philosophical investigation so as not to reinforce colonial prejudices. The article concludes advocating for a nuanced understanding of ancient Buddhist thought as a profound philosophical praxis, offering insights still relevant in contemporary discourse.

Author :
Federico Divino :
University of Antwerp, Belgium.

Price: 101

A Case of Lectio Difficilior Potior in the Aṅguttara-Nikāya ?

By: Bhikkhu Pāsādika

Page No : 89-97

Author :
Bhikkhu Pāsādika :
 Wiener Weg 1b, 50858 Köln/Cologne, Germany.

Price: 101

Re-examination of Mahāyāna Buddhist Artifacts in Peninsular Malaysia before the Modern Era

By: Ampere A. Tseng

Page No : 99-132

Abstract
This article explores the early spread of Mahāyāna Buddhism to Peninsular Malaysia by re-examining the artifacts discovered from various archaeological sites across the region and scrutinizing the associated conditions that facilitated its spreading.The spread commenced mid-first millennium and concluded premodern era. Archaeological findings, supplemented by historical documents, are analyzed to evaluate the Buddhist influences from India. Artifacts related to Mahāyāna Buddhism include thirteen inscriptions with engraved figures, sixteen statues of Buddhas or Bodhisattvas, and dozens votive tablets with imprinted images and inscriptions. The study presents fresh perspectives and updated data on these artifacts, affirming their Mahāyāna Buddhism connection. It rectifies discrepancies in initial archaeological studies and also corrects inconsistencies in original archaeological studies where necessary. The article posits that Mahāyāna Buddhism reached West Malaysia primarily through Indian traders and missionaries from the 5th century or earlier. By the first millennium’s end, Mahāyāna Buddhism was prevalent in Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in its northern five states.

Author :
Ampere A. Tseng : Manufacturing Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287 USA.

Price: 101

Śūnyatā of Yogācāra: A Study of the Tattvārtha Chapter of the Bodhisattvabhūmi

By: Kang Wang

Page No : 133-208

Abstract
This paper examines the origins and developments of the theory that “the unreal (prajñapti) is based on the real (vastumātra)”. This theory serves as a foundational principle in the Tattvārtha Paṭala of YBŚ. Traces of this theory can be discerned in the contemplative practice of Lesser Discourse on Emptiness (Cūḷasuññatasutta), preserved in either Zhōngāhánjīng (Middle Length Āgama Sutras) or Majjhima-Nikāya, where it is referred to as the “remains of emptiness”. The Sarvāstivāda, the earliest Buddhist sect, to formally propose this idea, asserts that “all phenomena in the three times truly exist (asti), as do the essences of phenomena.” The Yogācāra critically inherited and further developed the Sarvāstivāda’s logic of this theory. The Yogācāra inherited elements of Nāgārjuna but diverged from it, having formulated the Two Natures doctrine to challenge the Sarvāstivāda’s self-nature and Mādhyamika views that all are merely designation and that this constitutes reality. Building upon this foundation, the Yogācāra articulated its understanding, employing this theory as a key element in its exposition of emptiness (śūnyatā).

Author :
Kang Wang :
 Leader of Research Team of the English Base for Buddhist Exchange (EBBE), East Gate of Guangxiao Temple, No.177 Haizhu North Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, China

Price: 101

An Ultimate from Immanence: Lotus Buddhism Redefined for a Secular Worldview

By: John R. Tate

Page No : 209-250

Abstract
The article proposes a Lotus Sūtra-based approach to Secular Buddhism, differing from the current versions primarily derived from the Pāli Canon. After summarizing the present state of secular Buddhist doctrine and practices, it explains why a secular adaptation of the Lotus Sūtra will diverge. Next, is a section on scholarly opinions that cast doubt on the validity of a literal reading of the sutra’s climactic revelation of an eternal Buddha and hinder belief today in Nichiren’s conclusions about it in the thirteenth century. This, I argue, justifies dismantling all vestiges of the text’s supernaturalism. With the above topics addressed and hermeneutic integrity in mind, the following phrase is introduced: the conditional emergence of benevolence as gifted by time, process, and potential. These words are intended to transform the text’s depiction of an eternal Buddha into an expression for a paramount morality grounded in immanence and thereby redefine the Lotus Sūtra for a secular worldview. From there on, the phrase is contextualized within traditional Buddhist and contemporary socio-philosophical principles to show how they align and how the phrase can function as a replacement for faith in a transcendent understanding of the scripture’s long-venerated core.

Author :
John R. Tate :
 is an independent researcher who resides in Fujinomiya, Japan.

Price: 101

Obituary
Charles Willemen (October 17th, 1941, Nieuwpoort - June 3rd, 2024, Leffinge)

By: ..

Page No : 251-256

Price: 101

Instruction to the Author

Please submit manuscripts electronically, in both MS Word (or equivalent) and PDF format, to one of the editors– Lalji ‘Shravak’ (laljis@gmail.com; editor.iijbs@gmail.com) or C. D. Sebastian (sebastian@iitb.ac.in). Citation style should follow the most recent edition of the Chicago Manual of Style. An abstract is not necessary. While there is no set of word limit, typically articles should be in the 5000 to 12000 word range. For substantially longer or shorter pieces, please contact the editors. While the editors prefer electronic submission, we will also accept manuscripts (in duplicate) sent by regular mail to Editor, 76, Nandnagar, Karaundi, Varanasi-221005 (India).
Enquiries regarding subscriptions, sale of older copies of IIJBS as well as of the earlier series IJBS, and proposals for establishing exchange relations, and correspondence regarding acceptance and publication of articles, reviews and advertisements may be addressed to the Editor.
 

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