Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch

The second volume of Eliot's engaging and comprehensive introduction to the Eastern faiths examines Mahayana Buddhist and Hindu traditions.

Sir Charles Eliot sets out to explain and demystify the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, beliefs and cultures for a Western audience. His explanations - which are clear, readable and accessible - are derived from decades spent living in Asia and the Far East as a diplomat and administrator. Independently researching the religions of these localities was both his past time and an attempt at understanding the deep seated traditions held for thousands of years by the local peoples. 

The book is logically divided into topical chapters, each of which concern specific subjects or figures significant to the Hindu or Buddhist religion, or both. Different types and schools of faith lead Eliot to draw distinctions through comparison; Mahayana Buddhism and Hindu traditions, for example, are shown to possess profoundly differing origins and progression to influence. 

Highlights of the second volume include the famous story of the Buddha and his upbringing, the manner in which Buddhist monks live and adhere to their faith day-to-day, the phenomena of the Boddhisatva, and the origins of Shiva and Vishnu as two of the most iconic deities of Hinduism. The manner in which Hinduism is related to the social class and caste system of India is extensively explored, as is the extent to which Islamic and Hindu beliefs were amalgamated over centuries. 

Although the title alludes only to Hinduism and Buddhism, Eliot also makes extensive allusion to Jainism and Islam. He is keen to note the fact that the spread and contest over influence of peoples to a large extent intertwine the histories of all the religions of the East. 

Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch successfully explains and introduces two of the world's major religions in a digestible, intriguing manner. Charles Eliot's writing style rarely strays to dryness, and each chapter remains close to its stated subject. There are few examples of religious studies as embracing and well-researched as Sir Charles Eliot's, immersed as he was in the cultures of the East.