The British Discovery of Buddhism

This book examines the British discovery of Buddhism during the Victorian period.

Philip C. Almond (Author)

9780521355032, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 26 August 1988

200 pages
21.6 x 13.8 x 1.7 cm, 0.395 kg

This book examines the British discovery of Buddhism during the Victorian period. It was only during the nineteenth century that Buddhism became, in the western mind, a religious tradition separate from Hinduism. As a result, Buddha emerged from a realm of myth and was addressed as a historical figure. Almond's exploration of British interpretations of Buddhism - of its founder, its doctrines, its ethics, its social practices, its truth and value - illuminates more than the various aspects of Buddhist culture: it sheds light on the Victorian society making these judgements.

Preface
Introduction
1. The discovery of Buddhism
2. Buddhism and the 'oriental mind'
3. The Buddha - from myth to history
4. The Victorians and Buddhist doctrine
5. Victorian precepts and Buddhist practice
6. 'The heathen in his blindness'?
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Buddhism [HRE]