The Pilgrimage of Buddhism and A Buddhist Pilgrimage

The book opens with a study of the Buddha as founder and teacher, followed by chapters on the moral teachings of early Buddhism, both in their negative discipline and positive ethical vision. It then explains the Buddhist path to spiritual freedom, the relationship between human life and destiny, and the story of Buddhism in India before turning to its spread in Ceylon, Burma, Siam, and Cambodia. A substantial portion of the work is devoted to the rise and philosophy of Mahāyāna Buddhism, including its ideal of the Eternal Buddha and its transmission into China. The Chinese chapters discuss temples, monks, lay Buddhism, revival movements, and Buddhist thought. The Japanese section examines the historical development of Japanese Buddhism, its sects, clergy, lay communities, educational and philanthropic activities, Zen, and the philosophical positions of Nichiren and Amida traditions. The closing chapters review the present condition of Buddhism, explore its underlying unity across diverse cultures, and compare Buddhism with Christianity.