RG ST 21 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Hindu Kush, Gansu, Xinjiang
11 Oct 2018
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Document Summary
Buddha-nature (tathagata-garbha) theory presents a positive view of the absolute. Each person"s essence is of a buddha. The basis for all buddha"s virtues and experiences is innate in all beings. Critical of the (cid:396)negative(cid:397) doctrine of emptiness. Tathagata-garbha means essence, womb, embryo of a (cid:396)one-gone-thus(cid:397) (cid:396)embryonic buddha(cid:397) or (cid:396)buddha-potential(cid:397) within all beings. Sentient beings don"t know great treasure they possess. Buddha-nature is our true, pure identity covered by delusion, greed, anger, etc. Indian mahayana buddhism => china => central asia. Through modern pakistan, afghanistan, hindu kush mountains. Arrived in kashgar in modern xin jiang. Southern route through khotan, northern route through turfan, etc. Selling goods such as tea, silk; spreading religion. Mahayana cosmic buddhism, fuzed with own culture into own form. Many caves and grottos for monks" residences. Founded by kongfuzi in 5th century bc. Emperor is at the apex of the system. Said to rule with the (cid:396)mandate of heaven(cid:397) Class of political administrators to assist emperor.
