Buddhism
In its Connexion with Brahmanism and Hinduism and in its Contrast with Christianity

A ground-breaking Victorian survey of the history, philosophy and practice of Buddhism in its South Asian context.

Monier Monier-Williams (Author)

9781108007979, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 25 February 2010

620 pages, 20 b/w illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 3.5 cm, 0.78 kg

This book derives from a series of lectures given in 1888 by Monier Monier-Williams, who was Professor of Sanskrit at Oxford for over 30 years and whose work broke new ground in the Western understanding of Buddhism and other South Asian religions. This substantial historical survey of Buddhism begins with an account of the Buddha and his earliest teaching, as well as a brief description of the origin and composition of the scriptures containing the Buddha's law (Dharma). Monier-Williams explains the early constitution of the Buddha's order of monks (Sangha), and outlines the philosophical doctrines of Buddhism together with its code of morality and theory of perfection, culminating in Nirvana. He also describes formal and popular rituals and practices, and sacred places and objects. The book is an example of Victorian Orientalist scholarship which remains of interest to historians of religious studies, Orientalism, and the British Empire.

1. Introductory observations
2. The Buddha as a personal teacher
3. The dharma or law and scriptures of Buddhism
4. The sangha or Buddhist order of monks
5. The philosophical doctrines of Buddhism
6. The morality of Buddhism and its chief aim – arhatship or nirvana
7. Changes in Buddhism and its disappearance from India
8. Rise of theistic and polytheistic Buddhism
9. Theistic and polytheistic Buddhism
10. Mystical Buddhism in its connexion with the Yoga philosophy
11. Hierarchical Buddhism, especially as developed in Tibet and Mongolia
12. Ceremonial and ritualistic Buddhism
13. Festivals, domestic rites, and formularies of prayers
14. Sacred places
15. Monasteries and temples
16. Images and idols
17. Sacred objects
18. Buddhism contrasted with Christianity.

Subject Areas: Buddhism [HRE]