Metaphor and Literalism in Buddhism: The Doctrinal History of Nirvana

Soonil Hwang studies the doctrinal development of nirvana in the Pali Nikaayaand subsequent tradition and compares it with the Chinese aagamaand its traditional interpretation. He clarifies early doctrinal developments of Nirvanaand traces the word and related terms back to their original metaphorical contexts, elucidating diverse interpretations and doctrinal and philosophical developments in the abhidharmaexegeses and treatises of Southern and Northern Buddhist schools. The book finally examines which school, if any, kept the original meaning and reference of Nirvana.