Inglorious Bodhisattvas

The Path from Ugra to Vimalakirti

Authors

  • Cristina Atanasiu University of Calgary Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/rsth.v33i2.125

Keywords:

Buddhism, bodhisattva, sūtra, masculinity, early Mahāyāna, discourse, religious transformation, arhats

Abstract

Most early Mahayana sutras glorify virya—vigor, or manliness—as the most desirable quality of a bodhisattva. But was this always the case? The purpose of this article is to argue that shifting notions of exemplar masculinity parallel the change from the early Mahayana, to mature developments of this Buddhist tradition. To prove my point, I will examine four influential early Mahayana sutras: the Ugrapariprccha, the Astasahasrika, the Surangamasamadhisutra, and the Vimalakirtinirdesa, to argue that the bodhisattva-path discourse became gradually more assertive and authoritative. Buddha Sakyamuni’s image lost focus, while bodhisattvas’ attitude towards arhats evolved from respectful submission to open humiliation. By now the bodhisattva transformation was complete, an inglorious coup that marked the Mahayana take-over.

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Published

2014-12-16

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Atanasiu, C. (2014). Inglorious Bodhisattvas: The Path from Ugra to Vimalakirti. Religious Studies and Theology, 33(2), 125-139. https://doi.org/10.1558/rsth.v33i2.125