Altuigurische Aparimitayus-Literatur Und Kleinere Tantrische Texte
Book Description
This scholarly work opens a window into the rich spiritual traditions of medieval Central Asia through carefully preserved Tantric texts written in Old Uyghur. The volume presents critical editions of ancient Buddhist manuscripts discovered in the Berlin Turfan Collection, offering modern readers access to profound spiritual teachings that once flourished along the Silk Road.
At the heart of this collection lies the Aparimitāyus literature, featuring two significant texts that explore themes of infinite life and spiritual transformation. The primary work, the Ārya-aparimitāyur-jñāna-nāma-mahāyāna-sūtra, represents one of the most extensive Tantric compositions in Old Uyghur and demonstrates the widespread influence of these teachings across medieval Asia, having been translated into Chinese, Khotanese, Mongolian, and Tangut languages.
Beyond these central texts, the volume includes previously unknown spiritual works such as the Vajrasattva-mantra and descriptions of important Buddhist deities and practices. These materials provide insight into the vibrant Tantric Buddhist traditions that thrived in the Turfan and Dunhuang regions during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.
Each text receives comprehensive scholarly treatment with detailed commentary, making these ancient wisdom teachings accessible to contemporary readers interested in Buddhist philosophy and Central Asian spiritual heritage. The work concludes with helpful reference materials including a glossary and photographic plates of the original manuscripts.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 234 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore Future life
- ✓ Explore Criticism, interpretation
- ✓ Explore Uighur Buddhist literature
- ✓ Explore Uighur Manuscripts
- ✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
- ✓ Explore Tantrism
- ✓ Explore Aparimitāyus
