This book examines the British discovery of Buddhism during the Victorian period. It was only during the nineteenth century that Buddhism became, in the western mind, a religious tradition separate from Hinduism. As a result, Buddha emerged from a realm of myth and was addressed as a historical figure. Almond's exploration of British interpretations of Buddhism - of its founder, its doctrines, its ethics, its social practices, its truth and value - illuminates more than the various aspects of Buddhist culture: it sheds light on the Victorian society making these judgements.
Preface; Introduction; 1. The discovery of Buddhism; 2. Buddhism and the 'oriental mind'; 3. The Buddha - from myth to history; 4. The Victorians and Buddhist doctrine; 5. Victorian precepts and Buddhist practice; 6. 'The heathen in his blindness'?; Conclusion; Notes; Bibliography; Index.
