Initiation ( Abhiṣeka ) in Indian Buddhism

Bibliographic Data

ID23596085
AuthorsRonald M Davidson (Fairfield University, corresponding author)
Year2023
Pages29-52
Publication date2023-01-26
Open AccessNo
TypeCHAPTER
VenueOxford Handbook of Tantric Studies (SOURCE_BOOK)
PublisherOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197549889.013.3
OpenAlexW4318182731
ISBN9780197549889
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited8

Initiation (abhiṣeka) in Indian Buddhism had a long trajectory, beginning as lustration offerings to the bodhi tree and concluding with the sexual practices of tantric Buddhism. Between these two, abhiṣeka rites were developed that first reflected one of the primary values—purification, especially purification for those associated with the maṇḍala worship practices of fifth-century Indian Buddhism. By the seventh century, the purificatory practices were modified and patterned after the coronation rituals association with Indian kingship, now employed as a gateway ritual in which the candidate would be allowed entrance into the maṇḍala and sworn to secrecy. As such, they also reflected the other primary value: vivification or infusion with vitality, as the vivification of a king who is both human and divine. Concomitant with entrance into the maṇḍala was commitment to vows of behavior and permission to recite mantras of specific Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Finally, in the eighth century, Buddhist tantrism was again modified to accept sexual practice, with the creation of “higher” initiations in the Yoga- and Yoginītantras.

Ancient history · Archaeology · Buddhism · Coronation · Theology · Worship · Chinese history and philosophy · Emotions and Moral Behavior · History · Indian and Buddhist Studies · Philosophy · Religious studies

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