The Three Religions of China: Lectures Delivered at Oxford

The book is organized into twelve lectures. Lecture I introduces the three recognized religions of China and explains their complementary relationship within Chinese society. Lecture II studies Confucius and his school, focusing on moral cultivation, social order, filial duty, political ethics, and the Confucian place in public life. Lecture III examines Taoism through Laozi, Zhuangzi, the meaning of Tao, quietism, naturalness, immortality, and the later development of Taoist religious practice. Lecture IV presents Buddha and Buddhism, including the Buddha’s life, Buddhist doctrine, monasticism, transmission to China, persecution, adaptation, and religious appeal. Lecture V discusses the idea of God, while Lecture VI analyzes humanity’s relationship and approach to the divine. Lecture VII treats cosmological ideas, and Lecture VIII studies the soul, ancestor worship, and eschatology. Lecture IX compares moral ideals, and Lecture X examines sin and its consequences. Lecture XI turns to the official cult or public religion, including state rites and public worship, while Lecture XII addresses private religion, popular devotion, household practice, ritual needs, and the lived religious habits of Chinese people.