The Light of Asia and The Light of the World: A Comparison of the Legend, the Doctrine, & the Ethics of the Buddha with the Story, the Doctrine, & the Ethics of Christ

Preface: Explains the author’s purpose: to correct what he sees as mistaken impressions about the similarity between Buddhism and Christianity. Notes: Lists Buddhist and scholarly sources used, including Vinaya, Sutta, Northern Buddhist texts, and modern Orientalist scholarship. Chapter I – Buddhism and Modern Unbelief: Discusses modern Western interest in Buddhism and its relation to skepticism, agnosticism, and anti-Christian thought. Chapter II – The Comparative Historical Value of the Buddhist and the Christian Scriptures: Compares the historical reliability of Buddhist and Christian textual sources. Chapter III – The Life and the Legend of the Buddha: Separates the probable historical life of the Buddha from later legendary narratives. Chapter IV – The Legend of the Buddha and the Story of Christ: Examines alleged parallels between Buddhist legends and Gospel narratives. Chapter V – The Doctrine of the Buddha and the Doctrine of Christ: Compares teachings on God, man, sin, salvation, and last things. Chapter VI – Buddhist Ethics and the Ethics of the Gospel: Assesses Buddhist ethics, Christian ethics, moral law, motives, and practical outcomes. Chapter VII – Retrospect and Conclusion: Summarizes the comparison and restates the author’s Christian theological conclusion.