Canonical and classical Mahāyāna literature falls into two classes viz., Prajñāparamitā and the Tathāgatagarbha classes. The Ratnagotravibhāgo Mahāyānottaratantra Śāstra, is the foremost example of the Tathagāta-garbha literature. In this volume the author makes an exegetical and analytic study of the same text, and brings out the metaphysical and mystical bearings of Mahāyāna Buddhism. The teaching of the Uttaratantra is the perfect blend of philosophy, religion, spiritual discipline, mysticism and metaphysics–a blend which is characteristic of Buddhism.
Tathāgata-garbha is an important Mahāyāna principle, which explains that all living beings process essence of Buddha-hood (Sarvasattvās-tathāgata-garbhāh). Tathāgata-garbha theory is a teaching that gives great optimism for all living beings in the pursuit of Bodhi (Enlightenment) or Buddhatva (Buddhahood). This theory enshrines in it a sublime concept that all the sentient beings are potential Buddhas or all will attain Buddha-hood. Owing to the presence of Tathāgata-garbha in all, one perceives the equality of oneself with others, and works for the wellbeing of all living beings, as one's entire life motif. According to A.K. Chatterjee, an outstanding authority on Yogācāra Idealism, the author "brings out beautifully the implication of the notion of the "Tathāgatagarbha" in this volume. (Source: Exotic India}
| Citation | Sebastian, C. D. Metaphysics and Mysticism in Mahāyāna Buddhism: An Analytical Study of the Ratnagotravibhāga-Mahāyānottaratantra-śāstraṃ. Delhi: Sri Satguru Publications, 2005. |
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