One of the fundamental tenets of Mahayana Buddhism animating and grounding the doctrine and discipline of its spiritual path, is the inherent potentiality of all animate beings to attain the supreme and perfect enlightenment of Buddhahood. This book examines the ontological presuppositions and the corresponding soteriological principles that sustain and define such a theory. Includes bibliographical references.

The Buddha Nature : A Study of the Tathagatagarbha and Alayavijnana, Brian Edward Brown, Alex Wayman (ed), Motilal Banarsidass, Hardcover, 309 Pages, $25.00

Brian Edward Brown has earned doctoral degrees in both theology and law; both degrees reflect his continuing interest in the various religious traditons and their influence upon the development of legal philosophhies and practice. Currently, he is an assistance professor of religion at Iona College.

Contents: Introduction

Part One: The Tathagatagarbha in the "Sri-Mala Sutra and the Ratnagotravibhaga

Part Two: The Alayavijnana in the Lankavatara Sutra and the Cheng Wei-Shih Lun.

Part Three: The Tathagatagarbha-Alayavijnana Summary and Comparison.

Appendices
Bibliography

Index.