In this compilation no attempt has been made to present a general view of Buddhism as a religious or philosophical system. The aim has rather been to turn Buddhism to account as a moral force by bringing together a selection of its beautiful sentiments and lofty maxims and particularly by including some of these which Inculcate mercy to the lower animals. In the average Buddhist treatise with its earnest exhortations recurring as a matter of course, to show mercy on every living thing; and this difference along is an adequate reason for compiling a Buddhist anthology. The author has here supplied those who buy and use the book with rubies and sapphires and emeralds of wisdom, compassion and human brotherhood any one of which worn on the heart would be sufficient to make the wearer rich beyond estimation for a day.
Preface:
I am glad t be permitted thus to say in a few words of introduction to this well-meditated little volume, how pleasant and how profitable an idea it must be considered to have designed and compiled a Buddhist anthology. Selecting his cut and uncut jewels from very various Buddhistic sources, Mr. Bowden has here supplied those who buy and use the book with rubies and sapphires and emeralds of wisdom, compassion, and human brotherhood any one of which worn on the heart would be sufficient to make the wearer rich beyond estimation for a day. The author disclaims any attempts to set forth a corpus of Buddhistic morality and doctrine, nor indeed would anything of the kind be possible within such narrow limits; but I rejoice to observe how well and faithfully his manifold extracts from the Sacred books of India and the East exhibit that ever-pervading tenderness of the great Asiatic Teacher which extended itself to all alike that live. This compassionateness of Gautama if nothing else had been illustrated by the collection would render it precious to possess and fruitful to employ; but many another lofty tenet of the Light of Asia finds illumination in some brief verse or maxim as day after day glides by ; and he who should mark the passage of the months from January to December with these simple [ages must become I think a better man at the year's end than at its beginning. In recommend the "Imitation of Buddha" without Hesitation or reserve.
EDWIN ARNOLDLondon March 31st 1891.
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