About Book:
The present work consists of seven chapters that deal with the Bodhisattva doctrine as expounded in the principal Buddhist Sanskrit Literature. Chapter 1 describes the nature of the Bodhisattva doctrine with particular stress on the distinct characteristics of arhat, Bodhisattva and sravaka. Chapter II recounts the different factors including the influence of Persian religious cult, Greek art and Christian ethics that contributed to the rise and growth of the Boddhisattva doctrine. Chapter III expounds on the production of the thought of Enlightenment for the welfare and liberation of all creatures. Chapters IV describes thirty-seven practices and principles conducive to the attainment of Enlightenment. Chapter V explains the ten perfections that lead to welfare, rebirth, serenity, spiritual cultivation, and supreme knowledge. Chapter VI states different stages of spiritual progress in the aspirant`s long journey to the goal of final emancipation and Chapter VII relates the events of the Gautama Buddha`s past lives as Bodhisattva. The book contains comprehensive notes and references besides a general index appended at the end. It is written in a very lucid style that speaks of the writer`s scholarly acumen and mastery of literary art.
About Author:
Vaman Shivram Apte (1858 – 9 August 1892) was an Indian lexicographer and a professor of Sanskrit at Pune's Fergusson College. He is best known for his compilation of a dictionary, The Student's English-Sanskrit Dictionary. Vaman Shivaram Apte came from a well-to-do family in Konkan. In the Marathi State of Sawantwadi, in the small village of Asolopal (Banda Peta) his father was known as a noble-minded Pandit of high integrity of character.
He passed the Matriculation examination and secured more than 90% of the total marks, with the unique Sanskrit scholarship, named after Jagannath Shankarshet. Prof. Kielhorn wanted him to study in the Deccan College directly under him. There too Vamanrao showed his brilliance in all examinations and won the Bhau Daii Sanskrit Prize at the B. A. examination (1877) and the Bhagawandas Scholarship at the M. A. examination(1879). Apte decided once for all to devote himself to the cause of national education by joining the founders of the New English School in 1880, in its first year.
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