Florin Deleanu: "Spiritual Cultivation in Yogācāra Buddhism"

Date
Saturday May 11th 2013, 12:00AM - Sunday May 12th 2013, 12:00AM
Event Sponsor
Co-sponsor: Department of Religious Studies
Florin Deleanu

Abstract:

The seminar will focus on the formation of the classical path of spiritual cultivation in Yogācāra Buddhism. We shall begin with the Bodhisattvabhūmi and read passages describing such meditative practices as the elimination (vibhava) of ideations (saṃjñā) and the three contemplations (trayaḥ samādhayaḥ). We shall then turn our attention to the Mahāyānasūtrālaṃkāra and have a look at the first comprehensive articulation of a system of spiritual praxis in which mind-only (cittamātra) comes to play a pivotal role (Tattvādhikāra, verses 6-10). Finally, we shall read stanzas 26-30 of Vasubandhu’s Triṃśikāvijñaptimātratāsiddhi which set forth the classical Yogācāra path of spiritual progression to Liberation (vimukti). (Time permitting, we shall also consult exegetical sources such as Sthiramati’s Triṃśikāvijñaptibhāṣya and Dharmapāla’s/Xuanzang’s Vijñaptimātrāsiddhiśāstra 成唯識論.)

Bio

Florin Deleanu (1983, degree in Chinese literature and English literature; 1991, MA in Oriental philosophy; 2005, PhD in Indology, Hamburg University) held the chairs of English and philosophy at Kansai Medical University (Osaka) from 1994 to 2001. Since 2001, he has been professor of Buddhist studies at the International College for Postgraduate Buddhist Studies (Tokyo). His research focuses on the history of Buddhist meditation in India and early China. His recent publications include The Chapter on the Mundane Path (Laukikamārga) in the Śrāvakabhūmi: A Trilingual Edition (Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese), Annotated Translation, and Introductory Study. Tokyo: The International Institute of Buddhist Studies, 2006, and several articles and contributions to joint volumes.