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.
目次
Preface ix Introduction 1 1. The discovery of Buddhism 7 2. Buddhism and the 'oriental mind' 33 3. The Buddha - from myth to history 54 4. The Victorians and Buddhist doctrine 80 5. Victorian precepts and Buddhist practice 111 6. 'The heathen in his blindness'? 132 Conclusion 139 Notes 142 Bibliography 166 Index 181
