Contents

Acknowledgements

Part One Sinning in Asian Religious Traditions

Social and Soteriological Aspects of Sin and Penance in Medieval Hindu Law

Sin and Expiation in Sikh Texts and Contexts: From the Nānak Panth to the Khālsā

“Living Without Sin”: Reflections on the Pre-Buddhist World in Early China

Sin, Sinification, Sinology: On the Notion of Sin in Buddhism and Chinese Religions

“The Evil Person is the Primary Recipient of the Buddha’s Compassion” The Akunin Shōki Theme in Shin Buddhism of Japan

The Sin of “Slandering the True Dharma” in Nichiren’s Thought

Ritual Faults, Sins, and Legal Offences: A Discussion about Two Patterns of Justice in Contemporary India

Part Two Dealing with Sin

After Sinning: Some Thoughts on Remorse, Responsibility, and the Remedies for Sin in Indian Religious Traditions

The Role of Confession in Chinese and Japanese Tiantai/Tendai Bodhisattva Ordinations

Removal of Sins in Esoteric Buddhist Rituals: A Study of the Dafangdeng Dhāraṇī Scripture

Redeeming Bugs, Birds, and Really Bad Sinners in Some Medieval Mahāyāna Sūtras and Dhāraṇīs

Sometimes Love Don’t Feel Like It Should: Redemptive Violence in Tantric Buddhism

Sin and Flaws in Kerala Astrology

Sin and Expiation in Nepal: The Makar Melā Pilgrimage in Panautī

Sin and Expiation among Modern Hindus: Obeying One’s Duty or Following Freely Accepted Rules?

Index