The first Korean language book that examines the statistical information of the early sutras with diagrams and maps.

Category : Humanities
Target : Adults
Published Date : 30-Jul-19
ISBN : 9788974796778
Pages : 608
Book Size : 188 x 257 paperback
Keywords : Buddhism; Early Sutras; Statistics; Archaeology



Until now, there have been many works of translation of the early sutras but there has not been any research material based on accurate statistics about the eighteen nikaya (“schools”) of ancient Indian Theravada Buddhism. Based on the data of 5,435 statistical studies, the book hypothesizes where Shakyamuni Buddha and his disciples spent a great part of their time and who spoke what to whom. 
The comparison is shown with a diagram that is based on statistics and a higher frequency is indicated in view of the special characteristic of the material as well as providing the relevant detail about the monastery and different sites. These places were then marked on the map of India so that readers can figure out where Buddha and his disciples spent the most time. Moreover, according to the frequency of their appearances in the sutras, the concrete features of the six most eminent disciple monks, two Bhikkhus, and the six non-ordained followers who appear as those participating in the dialogues are also examined.
The color diagrams and photographs, and various archeological data offer a vivid and realistic presentation of the Indian situation of ancient times to the readers. This will bring readers closer to understanding the process of how the teachings of Buddha were transmitted in their original state and the time period of Buddha’s birth about 2,500 years ago. It is a truly remarkable research work that will help many to see the origin of Buddhism. 

Venerable Ilah
The author majored in Buddhism at Dongguk University and got an M.A. in East Asian Philosophy from Sungkyunkwan University. He went on to receive doctoral degrees in East Asian Philosophy (Vinaya Pitaka) from Sungkyunkwan University, art history (architecture) from Dongguk University, Zen Buddhism from the Department of Philosophy at Korea University, and Korean Ancient History from the Department of History Education at Dongguk University. He has submitted over 150 scholarly papers having to do with India, China, Korea, and Japan in many academic journals of South Korean research foundations. He is the author of forty or more books, including The Origin of Korean Seon Buddhism, Jigong and Naong, and The Thesis of a Buddhist Monk.