| Note: | Images of the original pages are available through Internet Archive. See https://archive.org/details/influenceofbuddh00lill |
THE INFLUENCE OF BUDDHISM
ON
PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANITY
By the same Author,
BUDDHISM IN CHRISTENDOM.
"The most learned, thoughtful, and thought-provoking work which has yetappeared on this momentous question.... I read the book from cover tocover with much interest."—Truth.
"The present work is of the profoundest interest, and is certain to commandattention in all future discussions of the subject with which it deals.... Itis exceedingly ably written."—Scotsman.
"The relation of Essenism to Buddhism is here dwelt upon with some freshillustration of the probably Indian origin of the Therapeuts of Alexandria. Mr.Lillie's chapters on ritual and observances are rendered attractive by a number ofinteresting illustrations."—Athenæum.
"Discusses the influence which Buddhism has had on Christianity. The admissionthat there is any relationship at all between the two will be vehementlydenied by many good people, but no one can impartially and fairly study Mr.Lillie's book, examine his evidence, and give due weight to his arguments, withoutadmitting that the connection not only exists but is an intimate one."—EveningStandard.
Also,
THE POPULAR LIFE OF BUDDHA.
"Contends that the atheistic and soulless Buddhism was drawn from the'Great Vehicle,' which was a spurious system introduced about the time of theChristian era, whereas the 'Little Vehicle,' compiled by Asoka, contained themotto, 'Confess and believe in God.' There are a large number of passagesdrawn from the sacred books, which tend to prove that Mr. Lillie is right in histheory of Buddhist theology. Even Dr. Rhys Davids admits that the CakkavatiBuddha was to early Buddhists what the Messiah Logos was to early Christians.'If this be so,' as Mr. Lillie is justified in asking, how can an atheist believe in a'Word of God made flesh?'
"Mr. Lillie thus sums up the originalities of the Buddhist movement:—Enforcedvegetarianism for the whole nation; enforced abstinence from wine;abolition of slavery: the introduction of the principle of forgiveness of injuriesin opposition to the lex talionis; uncompromising antagonism to all nationalreligious rites that were opposed to the gnosis or spiritual development of theindividual; beggary, continence, and asceticism for religious teachers."—Spectator.
"Contains many quotations from the Buddhist religious writings, which arebeautiful and profound—a most readable book."—Saturday Review.
"Our author has unquestionably the story-teller's gift."—St. James Gazette.
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