Buddhism: The Science of Life

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The growing demand, in the East as well as in the West, for a popular exposition of Buddhism, has resulted in a form of present book. Buddhism stands for brotherhood and unity between all beings without distinction of colour and creed and the most characteristic feature is a gracious and winning tolerance which is common in all forms of Buddhism. Buddhism is not only deeply philosophical, but also possesses a system of Evolution far more comprehensive than the Darwinian from which it differs radically concerning the antiquity and origin of Man. This book is therefore offered as a modest contribution to a cause which every true lover of humanity must have at heart.

The growing demand, in the East as well as in the West, for a popular exposition of Buddhism, has encouraged us to republish in book form three articles which have previously appeared at different times.
"Why I Believe in Buddhism" has already been circulated in Chinese by the Peking Buddhist Research Society, followed later by Some Thoughts on Buddhism", which has also been published at Peking in Russian and Chinese (see post pp. 25-7).
"Tibetan Initiates on the Buddha" originally appeared serially in the Maha Bodhi Journal of Calcutta. It has been re-arranged and revised for the present purpose: that of presenting Buddhism as "The Science of Life." In the Addenda to this section is included valuable information hitherto buried in old publications and more or less forgotten. Some of it comes direct from the Tibetan Initiates or their disciples, especially matters relating to the Buddha and his inner doctrine, of which they alone possess the complete records.
It has often been said that the Church was the great failure of the War; hence the license, disillusionment, and scepticism which has followed it. If Christianity falled under the acid test of the War, it was because its dogmas lack the foundation of law and reason. Indian troops and other Orientals who took part in the War were but little affected, because (with the exception of the Mahomedans) their religious beliefs are founded on the ancient philosophies, and above all on the twin laws of Karma and Re-incarnation which regulate evolution.
Recent conflicts in Europe and America between Protestantism and Science have brought into prominence the fact that Christianity in its present form is based neither on science nor philosophy.
Buddhism is fundamentally pacific, and stands for Brotherhood and Unity between all beings without distinction of colour or creed. A's Mr. R. F. Johnston says: "Nearly all forms of Buddhism are vitalized by one indwelling spirit, of which the most characteristic manifestation is a gracious and winning tolerance." (Buddhist China, p. 330).
Hence no such conflicts occur in Buddhist lands; nor the religious disturbances so frequent in India between Hindus and Moslems. In these pages we endeavour to show that Buddhism, especially the Esoteric Mahayana, is not only deeply philosophical, but also possesses a system of Evolution far more comprehensive than the Darwinian, from which it differs radically concerning the antiquity and origin of Man.
It has been very strongly urged upon us by an American journalist, long resident in China, that many people in America are now ready for the basic doctrines of Buddhism, and will eagerly welcome such a reasonable solution of life's problems, if put before them in a clear, simple, and popular manner. This little book is therefore offered as a modest contribution to a cause which every true lover of humanity must have at heart.