indian book chronicle
Friday, January 15th, 2010
The academic origins of Western Buddhism
How Buddhism came to the West
It is said that Buddhism is now firmly established in England, Germany, France and the United States. The religion of Buddha has firmly taken root in Western soil, and it only takes time for the roots are deep. And was through the efforts of Western scholars, non-Buddhist missionaries, who planted the seeds for the growth of Buddhism in the West.
The first knowledge about Buddhism came to the West in the first part of the 19th century, when European scholars, mostly for academic reasons, began a serious study of Buddhism that attracted his attention as a branch of Oriental studies, or as part of Indian thought and culture. Pali, Sanskrit, China and Tibet became subjects of his study. A number of Buddhist texts were published and translated. Some students wrote learned books on the history and doctrine of Buddhism. For works of these scholars awakened interest in both Buddhism and Buddhist Studies. Some of these specialists, while an academic study of Buddhism, Buddha accepted the message and became self-professed Buddhist. Then we had to distinguish two kinds of scholars, who studied and wrote about Buddhism, a Buddhist inspiration, and did the same for purely academic purposes. Moreover, reading the writings of these scholars, many Westerners have converted to Buddhism. This situation continued in the period when Buddhism in Asia stagnated in the form of habits, or suffer persecution or repression under or in the face of colonialism. With the lack missionary activity by the Buddhist, Buddhist books filled the role of Buddhist missions.
The works of scholars ENGLISH
The largest contribution West to the spread of Buddhism and Buddhist studies has been done for England. In 2380/1837, the Pali text of the Mahavamsa (the great chronicle of Ceylon), together with a translation was published by George Turner, an official in Ceylon. Meanwhile (2364-2384/1821-1841), BH Hodgson collected the Sanskrit Buddhist manuscripts from Nepal and distributed to various libraries in India and Europe. Two of the other civilian agents of the British government came to Ceylon in 2407/1864 Pali and became prominent Buddhist scholars. One was Robert C. Childers 2415-2418/1872-1875 he published in his Dictionary of the Pali language, a great contribution to the study of Pali. The other, probably the most eminent Pali and Buddhist studies, was Professor TW Rhys Davids founded the Pali Text Society in 2424/1881, and went to work in 2459/1916 at its most visited Pali-English Dictionary that was to be completed by his assistant, Dr. W. Stede in 2468/1925. Professor Rhys Davids also wrote, translated and edited voluminous works in the field of studies Buddhists. After the death of its founder, the affairs and activities of the Pali Text Society was carried out by his wife and colleague, Mrs. CAF Rhys Davids, whose large contributions to the study of Pali crowned her husband's work. The work of the Pali Text Society was continued for its third president dedicated and energetic Miss IB Horner, until his death in 2524/1981. With the assistance of eminent Pali and Buddhist scholars from different countries, the Society has published the Pali texts in roman characters, all works in the Tripitaka, the majority of the comments, and after many canonical works. A large number of English translations of these texts have been published. In the field of lexicography, the Pali-English Dictionary, English-Pali Dictionary, Dictionary of Pali Proper Names and Pali are ฺ Offspring Concordance akam publications Society. You could say that the Pali Text Society has done.the more for the spread of Theravada Buddhism in the Western world and is surpassed by none in aiding the progress of International Buddhist studies.
Max Müller (2366-2443/1823-1900), the famous English philologist born in Germany, is considered the father of the studies of India in the West. Through his voluminous translations and editions, made a substantial contribution to the advancement of Pali and Buddhist studies. His edition of The 50 volume series of the sacred books of Professor Rhys Davids East encouraged to begin the sacred books of the Buddhists, a number that continues today.
Also was an Englishman, Sir Edwin Arnold, who produced the best known and most successful work in the dissemination of Buddhism. His epic poem, The Light of Asia, published in 2422/1879, caused a sudden and dramatic increase in interest in Buddhism among Westerners, made many fans and further promote scholarly study of Buddhism. Among these Charls becomes Henry Allen Bennet, a young man of 18 years of age. Bennett went to study Buddhism in Burma, received his ordination and who devoted his life to the cause of Buddhism. As a Buddhist monk, was known as Bhikkhu Ananda Metteyya. It was Ananda Metteyya who led the first Buddhist mission to England in April 2451/1908. Among those inspired to adopt Buddhism as their way of life, first served were Francis Payne and his family. The early 20th century in England, was also foundation Buddhist Society of Great Britain and Ireland on November 26, 2450/1907. The League was created to help the Buddhist Mission and operated until 2466/1923. In 2467/1924 was replaced by this Buddhist society that Mr. Christmas Humphreys was the founding president. Besides the Buddhist Society of London, now there are two Buddhist viharas help promote the cause of Buddhism.
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Buddhism in the Western World
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