The Buddha and His Religion

Introduction: Authenticity of Buddhism The introduction discusses the sources used to study Buddhism. Saint-Hilaire refers to Sanskrit and Pāli writings, Tibetan, Mongolian, Chinese, Burmese, and Siamese translations, Aśokan inscriptions, Chinese pilgrims, and Greek historical references. He presents these materials as evidence for the historical authenticity of Buddhism. Part I: The Origin of Buddhism This part presents the life of the Buddha, including his birth, education, marriage, renunciation, austerities, enlightenment, first teaching at Benares, preaching career, relations with kings and disciples, and death at Kuśinagara. It also discusses Buddhist legends through texts such as the Lalita-vistara and the Lotus of the Good Law, then summarizes Buddhist ethics, the Four Noble Truths, precepts, monastic observances, virtues, karma, transmigration, Nirvāṇa, and meditation. Part II: Buddhism in India in the Seventh Century This part focuses on Hiouen-Thsang / Xuanzang, the Chinese pilgrim who travelled in India from 629 to 645 CE. It describes his education, journey, residence at Nālandā, travels across India, debates, translations, and his account of Buddhist institutions. It also discusses Buddhist worship, statues, relics, footprints of the Buddha, Maitreya, the distinction between the Little Vehicle and Great Vehicle, and the condition of Buddhism in India during Xuanzang’s time. Part III: Buddhism in Ceylon This part studies Buddhism in Ceylon through historical chronicles and modern reports. It discusses the conversion of Ceylon to Buddhism, the Mahāvaṃsa, Aśoka’s relation with King Devanampiya Tissa, Mahinda’s mission, the Bodhi-tree branch, the Buddha’s tooth relic, Buddhaghosa’s translations, the Buddhist clergy, ordination, rituals, public recitation, exorcism, meditation, education, and the relationship between Buddhism and Christianity.