Abstract

Kāraṇḍyavyūha Sūtra represents the Vyūha categories of Buddhist Mahāyāna Sūtras. The Ārya Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra is a Mahāyāna Vaipulya Sūtra text, from which the trend of mixed Sanskrit text is studied, along with some other specimens in the Vaipulya Sūtra. The Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra extols the virtues and powers of the great Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, and which is particularly notable for introducing the mantra Om mani padme hum into the Sūtra tradition. The Sūtra is thus of particular importance, as this mantra now holds a central role in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, especially throughout the lay population. This Sūtra also records Avalokiteśvara’s transformation into the principal figure of the Buddhist pantheon, greater than all other Buddhas, let alone Bodhisattvas. This study helps to fill up the gaps of complete study of Vaipulya Sūtra. The Kāraṇḍyavyūha is devoted mainly to the glorification of the Buddhas, the Buddha-kṣetṛas and Bodhisatvas. In this thesis we have studied the historical status, language and linguistic status, religious and philosophical status of the Kāraṇḍyavyūha Sūtra. English translation of the Kāraṇḍyavyūha Sūtra is intended for people who are interested in Buddhism but are not Buddhist scholars. The glorification of the Bodhisattva Avalokitaśvara, belief in the Ādi-Buddha as God and creator in the style of Pūraṇas and the glorification of the protecting and benedictory prayer formula ‘Oṃ Maṇi Padme Hūṃ’ are some of the significant contents of Kāraṇḍyavyūha-sūtra.