Amala prajna: Aspects of Buddhist studies : Professor P.V. Bapat felicitation volume (Bibliotheca Indo-Buddhica)

DETAILS : 

• Author : Prasad N.H. Samtani and H.S. Eds.
  
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sri Satguru Publications
  
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 1 January 1989
  
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
  
• Binding : Hardcover
  
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8170301882
  
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8170301882
  
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 kg 310 g

ABOUT THE BOOK

Amala Prajna: Aspects of Buddhist Studies is a monumental felicitation volume (Festschrift) published in 1989 to honor the lifelong scholarly contributions of Professor P. V. Bapat, one of the grand doyens of Buddhist and Pali studies in India. Released as part of the prestigious Bibliotheca Indo-Buddhica series (Volume 63), this work was meticulously compiled and edited by two legendary scholars, Prof. N. H. Samtani and Prof. H. S. Prasad.

The title Amala Prajna translates to "Pure/Stainless Wisdom," reflecting the academic integrity of the honoree. The volume brings together cutting-edge research papers from elite, international Indologists and Buddhologists of the late 20th century. The essays are broadly categorized into:

• Pali Literature & Theravada Buddhism: Textual critiques, linguistic studies, and historical analyses of early Buddhist canons.
• Mahayana & Buddhist Philosophy: Deep dives into Shunyata (emptiness), Vijnanavada (idealism), and the development of Buddhist logic.
• Buddhist Art, Archaeology, and Epigraphy: Explorations of monastic sites, inscriptions, and cultural spreads along the Silk Road.
• Sino-Tibetan Studies: Comparative studies of Indian texts that only survived in Chinese or Tibetan translations—a field Prof. Bapat pioneered.

As an institutional-grade reference book, it remains a vital text for anyone tracking the evolution of Buddhist thought and philology.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

• Professor P. V. Bapat (Purushottam Vishvanath Bapat, 1894–1991 - The Honoree): A true titan of the field, Prof. Bapat was a legendary scholar of Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese, and Tibetan. He was famously chosen by the Government of India to edit the definitive volume 2500 Years of Buddhism (1956). His critical editions of ancient texts, like the Vimuttimagga and Visuddhimagga, remain global benchmarks.
• Professor N. H. Samtani (Editor): A distinguished scholar of Buddhism and Pali based at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He is globally celebrated for his monumental critical edition and translation of the Arthaviniscaya Sutra, a core text mapping early Buddhist psychological and philosophical categories.
• Professor H. S. Prasad (Editor): A highly respected philosopher and academician from the University of Delhi. Known for his rigorous approach to time, space, and metaphysics in Indian philosophy, his analytical eye helped structure this volume's dense philosophical sections.