This is a fully annotated, critical English translation of Maitreyanatha's "Universal Vehicle Discourse Literature (Mahayanasutralamkara)," as transmitted to the fourth-century Indian Buddhist scholar-adept Arya Asanga, along with its commentary (bhasya) by Asanga's brother Vasubandhu. A wellspring of the "magnificent deeds trend of the path," the "Discourse Literature" emphasizes the compassion side of Buddhist thought. This long-awaited work is the founding cornerstone of the AIBS'Tanjur Translation Initiative. Includes an introduction covering essential historical and philosophical topics, a bibliography, and detailed index.
Tenzin Robert Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, holding the first endowed chair of Buddhist Studies in the United States. He is the author of the bestseller Inner Revolution, as well as Anger, Infinite Life, and other popular books. He is also a translator of Tibetan texts. He serves as co-founder and president of Tibet House US, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the endangered culture of Tibet.