The Way To Nirvana: Six Lectures on Ancient Buddhism as a Discipline of Salvation

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Buddhism preaches no dogma; it teaches practice. It is not so much concerned with its goal-the mysterious and unascertainable Nirvana as with the path i.e. sanctity.

Obviously Buddhism orginates from observance, a clear cut perception of the fact that men are suffering from actual pains which are to be healed at once, that they are poisoned with desire which prepares for them sufferings therefore desire is to be crushed.

The book deals with the means of salvation. It contains Six chapters. Ch. I discusses Indian diciplines of salvation with particular reference to Buddhism as a discipline of salvation in contrast with Buddhism as a religion. Ch. II explains Buddhism as a form of rationalism or as a discipline which aims at the deliverance of men from the bondage of action, his cessation of rebirth and end of misery. Chs. III-IV define action, its good and bad results, its cosmogonic and theogonic powers and the way of destroying action which ultimately leads to the path of Nirvana-a stage of nothingness beyond sorrows and pleasures. Ch. V outlines difficulties in ascertaining the nature of deliverance, gives etymology and meaning of the word "Nirvana", expounds the state of "Anninhilation" and describes unqualified deliverance. It concludes with the scholstic view on the conflicting statesments in the scriptures. Ch. VI. propounds some general principles of Buddhism, the observance of which qualifies the aspirant to treat the path of Nirvana. Among the manifold ways mentioned in this book he is advised to follow the middle way (Madhyamika Marga) between asceticism and laxity, receive training in Budhist truth and practice meditations.

The books is an excellent production on the Discipline of Salvation as taught by Lord Buddha and will be received with benefit by the reader who aspires for "Nirvana" or who is generally interested in the study of Buddhist thought. The book includes an introduction and general index. The book is being published under the series "Bibliotheca Indo-Buddhica No.-3.).

Je suis fort heureux d'avoir accepté l'invitation des Hibbert Trustees et de mon excellent ami le Dr J. E. Carpenter. C'etait une bonne occasion de faire une sorte d'examen de conscience et d'ex- poser briévement et clairement ce que je pense d'un des aspects du Bouddhisme, le vieux Bouddhisme monastique et ses théories sur le salut. Méme ainsi circonscrit, le sujet reste vaste, et sur combien de points on pourrait épiloguer á perte de vue. C'est un des drawbacks du genre Lectures qu'il faut sacrifier les nuances; mais c'est un de ses avantages qu'il faut aller a l'essentiel. A sacirficr quelques bouquets d'arbres et une bonne partie de la frondaison, on obtient une meilleure idée de la foret- Et couper parfois avec un peu d'arbitraire, des avenues dans la forét c'est iout compte fait le seul moyen de la parcourir. Les sentiers snnt charmants, mais ils egarent.