The British Discovery of Buddhism

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

Philip C. Almond (Author)

9780521033855, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 1 February 2007

200 pages
21.6 x 13.9 x 1.2 cm, 0.26 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]