The history of Indian Buddhism may be divided into four phases: Primeval Buddhism, Sectarian (Theravada or "Hinayana") Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, and Tantric Buddhism. After a long time of evolution, it eventually developed into a colossal, all-embracing religious system represented by a vast collection of scrolls of Buddhist scripture, which is fundamentally different from Judaism, Christianity and Islamism all based on one sacred book.

Introduction

Chapter One Theravada Art

 Section One: Cave Temples and Stupas in Xinjiang

 Section Two: Monasteries and Stupas in Yunnan

Chapter Two Mahayana Art

 Section One: Han-Jin Period: First Transmission into China

 Section Two: Buddhist Pagodas

 Section Three: Stone Pillars

 Section Four: Shrines for Buddhist Relics

 Section Five: Temple Buildings

 Section Six: Cave Temples

 Section Seven: Stone or Gilded Bronze Statues of Buddha and Steles with Shrines

 Section Eight: Monasteries in Sacred Mountains

 Section Nine: Scriptures and Ritual Implements

 Section Ten: Paintings of Buddhist Subjects by Professional Painters, Scholars and

 Officials

Chapter Three Tantric Art

 Section One: Monasteries and Stupas of Tibetan Buddhism

 Section Two: Combination of Han and Tibetan Elements

 Section Three: Cave Sculptures and Paintings of Tibetan Buddhism

 Section Four: Thangkas

 Section Five: Scriptures and Ritual Objects of Tibetan Buddhism

 Section Six: Rare Chinese Tantric Relics