Overview

This book derives from a series of lectures given in 1888 by Monier Monier-Williams, who was Professor of Sanskrit at Oxford for over 30 years and whose work broke new ground in the Western understanding of Buddhism and other South Asian religions. This substantial historical survey of Buddhism begins with an account of the Buddha and his earliest teaching, as well as a brief description of the origin and composition of the scriptures containing the Buddha's law (Dharma). Monier-Williams explains the early constitution of the Buddha's order of monks (Sangha), and outlines the philosophical doctrines of Buddhism together with its code of morality and theory of perfection, culminating in Nirvana. He also describes formal and popular rituals and practices, and sacred places and objects. The book is an example of Victorian Orientalist scholarship which remains of interest to historians of religious studies, Orientalism, and the British Empire.

Full Product Details

Author:   Monier Monier-Williams (University of Oxford)
Publisher:   Cambridge University Press
Imprint:   Cambridge University Press (Virtual Publishing)
ISBN:  

9780511706912

ISBN 10:   051170691
Publication Date:   29 August 2010
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Undefined
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
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Table of Contents

1. Introductory observations; 2. The Buddha as a personal teacher; 3. The dharma or law and scriptures of Buddhism; 4. The sangha or Buddhist order of monks; 5. The philosophical doctrines of Buddhism; 6. The morality of Buddhism and its chief aim – arhatship or nirvana; 7. Changes in Buddhism and its disappearance from India; 8. Rise of theistic and polytheistic Buddhism; 9. Theistic and polytheistic Buddhism; 10. Mystical Buddhism in its connexion with the Yoga philosophy; 11. Hierarchical Buddhism, especially as developed in Tibet and Mongolia; 12. Ceremonial and ritualistic Buddhism; 13. Festivals, domestic rites, and formularies of prayers; 14. Sacred places; 15. Monasteries and temples; 16. Images and idols; 17. Sacred objects; 18. Buddhism contrasted with Christianity.

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