Indian Mahayanists conceived of the universe as consisting of an infinite number of spheres and as going through an infinite number of cosmic periods. In the present period there is, according to this belief, a sphere called Sukhavati, the beauties and excellences of which are described in the most extravagant terms by certain of the Mahayana scriptures. Among its advantages is the fact that it is free of the temptations and defilements which characterize the world inhabited by mortals (for example, the presence of women).
(William Theodore de Bary, editor: The Buddhist Tradition)
No comments:
Post a Comment