3 papers in the library · publishing 2023
October 19, 2023 David B. Gray
Abstract The fourth chapter focuses on the canonical status of the tantras. It begins with an overview of the different types of tantric literature, followed by a discussion of the concentric organization of tantric literature, which centers on “root tantras” from which radiate exegetical literature and ritual manuals. It introduces the various attempts to classify this literature, with the...
October 19, 2023 David B. Gray
Abstract The second chapter surveys the contents of the Buddhist tantras. It begins with the opening background verse, which is an element that demonstrates continuity with the genre of Mahāyāna sutras, although it was taken in a new and transgressive direction of many of the tantras. It then explores both the languages in which the tantras were composed and the philosophical positions...
October 19, 2023 David B. Gray
Abstract The fifth chapter focuses on transgressive rhetoric in the tantras, arguing that it created an obstacle to their dissemination and translation due to the concerns that this raised. It explores the ways in which this was addressed both by translators and by commentators. The former developed strategies to translate transgressive passages so as to mitigate their impact, while the latter...