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

Lecture I – Introductory Observations Discusses Buddhism in relation to Brahmanism, Hindu sects, scepticism, materialist thought, the origin of Buddhism and Jainism, and the complexity of Buddhist traditions. Lecture II – The Buddha as a Personal Teacher Presents the Buddha’s biography: birth, renunciation, asceticism, enlightenment, first sermon, missionary activity, forty-five years of teaching, death, and last words. Lecture III – The Dharma or Law and Scriptures of Buddhism Covers the Buddhist Dharma, councils, recitation of teachings, Tripiṭaka, Vinaya, moral and philosophical precepts, Aśoka’s inscriptions, and northern Buddhist scriptures. Lecture IV – The Saṅgha or Buddhist Order of Monks Explains the Buddhist brotherhood, admission to monkhood, novice and full ordination, monastic resources, prohibitions, penances, daily life, nuns, lay supporters, and later hierarchy. Lecture V – The Philosophical Doctrines of Buddhism Examines Buddhist philosophy in relation to Brahmanism, suffering, causation, skandhas, transmigration, karma, previous births, cosmology, kalpas, and realms of existence. Lecture VI – The Morality of Buddhism and Its Chief Aim: Arhatship or Nirvāṇa Discusses Buddhist morality, five and ten precepts, fetters, virtues, moral merit, Arhatship, Nirvāṇa, Pari-nirvāṇa, and comparison with Christian morality. Lecture VII – Changes in Buddhism and Its Disappearance from India Analyzes sectarian development, Mahāyāna and Hīnayāna, Chinese pilgrims, interaction with Vaiṣṇavism and Śaivism, and the merging of Buddhism into Brahmanism and Hinduism. Lectures VIII–IX – Theistic and Polytheistic Buddhism Treats the rise of Mahāyāna, Bodhisattvas, Maitreya, Mañjuśrī, Avalokiteśvara, Vajrapāṇi, Dhyāni Buddhas, Amitābha, Ādi-Buddha, heavens, and Buddhist mythology. Lecture X – Mystical Buddhism in Its Connexion with the Yoga Philosophy Discusses esoteric Buddhism, Dhyāni Buddhas, Yoga, meditation, samādhi, mystical syllables, supernatural powers, and modern esoteric interpretations. Lecture XI – Hierarchical Buddhism, Especially in Tibet and Mongolia Covers Lamaism, Tibetan and Mongolian hierarchy, Avatāra Lamas, Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama, Tsong Khapa, monasteries, Japanese Buddhism, and Russian Buddhist communities. Lectures XII–XIII – Ceremonial, Ritualistic, Festive, and Domestic Buddhism Presents rituals, admission ceremonies, Vassa observances, pirit, prayer-bells, Dorje, festivals, domestic rites, funerals, prayer wheels, mantras, and formularies of prayer. Lecture XIV – Sacred Places Describes Buddhist sacred geography, including Kapilavastu, Buddha-Gayā, Sarnath, Rājagṛha, Śrāvastī, Vaiśālī, Nālandā, Pāṭaliputra, and Kuśinagara. Lecture XV – Monasteries and Temples Surveys Buddhist dwellings, cave monasteries, Tibetan monasteries, Potala, Tashi Lunpo, cave-temples, village temples, Ceylonese and Burmese temples, and the Rangoon pagoda. Lecture XVI – Images and Idols Examines the growth of image worship, Buddha images, postures, iconographic features, Bodhisattva images, and images of Buddhist deities. Lecture XVII – Sacred Objects and Supplementary Remarks on Jainism Discusses relics, the Buddha’s teeth, stupas, caityas, footprints, sacred trees, symbols such as the Wheel, Tri-ratna, Lotus and Svastika, sacred animals, and a supplementary comparison with Jainism. Lecture XVIII – Buddhism Contrasted with Christianity Concludes with a direct comparison between Buddhism and Christianity, treating religion, salvation, merit, karma, morality, tolerance, sacred texts, miracles, self-sacrifice, and doctrinal differences.