What do you think?
Rate this book
Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch, Vol. 1
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
607 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2009
About the author
Charles Eliot
40 booksLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Sir Charles Eliot 1862-1931
Sir Charles Eliot 1862-1931
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 23, 2021
This is a very niche text.
It excels in guiding a Westerner slowly slowly slooooowly to grasp something of the nature and context of Hinduism and Buddhism. For example, misconceptions due to nuance of vocabulary in translation are explained carefully and various definitions clarified. Eliot also frequently frames a given belief, practice or art form both in comparison to and in contrast with Western European Christian traditions (the goal being greater accessibility for the Western mind), but does so without the all-too-common judgement of whether one way or the other is more True.
A very interesting and informative book, which I think would help any reader to avoid very common fundamental misrepresentations of Buddhism and yogic principles in books, shops and yoga centers around the Western world -- but it *is* long, and will not suit those who are only mildly curious.
It excels in guiding a Westerner slowly slowly slooooowly to grasp something of the nature and context of Hinduism and Buddhism. For example, misconceptions due to nuance of vocabulary in translation are explained carefully and various definitions clarified. Eliot also frequently frames a given belief, practice or art form both in comparison to and in contrast with Western European Christian traditions (the goal being greater accessibility for the Western mind), but does so without the all-too-common judgement of whether one way or the other is more True.
A very interesting and informative book, which I think would help any reader to avoid very common fundamental misrepresentations of Buddhism and yogic principles in books, shops and yoga centers around the Western world -- but it *is* long, and will not suit those who are only mildly curious.
May 12, 2019
Nah. Not my cup of tea. It feels pretty dated. It’s basically a look at Hinduism (and budism) though a Christian looking glass. Not recommended. It seems, however, pretty well written although I gave up after reading approx. 25%. A shame because I would really
Like to understand the basics of those religions. For what it’s worth: I went for a Alan Watts podcast instead. Highly recommended
Like to understand the basics of those religions. For what it’s worth: I went for a Alan Watts podcast instead. Highly recommended
February 5, 2021
Really pleased that I read this book it’s very important to me to have a more broad aspect of religion and The written a long time ago this book had varying promising teachings.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews