The British Discovery of Buddhism [Paperback]

This book examines the British discovery of Buddhism during the Victorian period.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.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.This is the first book to examine 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 emerge 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.