THE SACRED BOOKS OF THE BUDDHISTS

COMPARED WITH

HISTORY AND MODERN SCIENCE.

BY

R. SPENCE HARDY, HON. MEM. ROYAL AS. Soc.

COLOMBO :

PRINTED AT THE WESLEYAN MISSION PRESS.

1863.

IN consequence of an extension of my original design, I have had to alter the title I had at first intended to adopt. By the Sacred books I mean the Text of the Pitakas, and the Commentaries on them compiled by Buddhaghóso.

I am only a visitor in Ceylon, and have had to write this Essay under some disadvantages, as my library is in England; but my friends have been kind in lending me the books I have required. I have received from the Rev. John Scott, of Galle, several valuable suggestions. I have been aided, in all that relates to translation from Pali, by the Rev. David de Silva, of Colpetty, to whom I am greatly indebted; and by my Pundit, Don Johannes Panditatilaka, of Kóggala, whose knowledge and understanding of the Pitakas is extensive.

I have had principally in view throughout the work, the instruction of the natives of Ceylon who understand the English language, an increasingly numerous and respectable class. This will account for the insertion of some things, and the omission of others, that would have been presented in a different form if I had written for European readers.

I know too well the human heart, to suppose that I shall make an immediate impression upon the Buddhism of the land; but I shall scatter seeds of truth, that by the blessing of God will not be long dormant, but spring up, and at no distant day yield a harvest that will gladden the soul of the reaper.

Wesleyan Mission House, Colombo,

September 1, 1863.

R. SPENCE HARDY,

BUDDHISM

"NOT HISTORICALLY TRUE."

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THE phrase, "not historically true," I need hardly say, is taken from the volumes recently published by the bishop of Natal. These works are, at present, causing much excitement in Ceylon, as well as in other places. It is an old mode of argument that the bishop uses, which has been tried against the Scriptures in instances without number; but, in every instance, it has signally failed to produce the effect that was intended; and, in many cases, the truth has been more firmly and triumphantly established, through the investigations that have arisen in consequence. It is the maxim of the age in which we live, not to take any assertion for granted merely because it is so said by some one else; but, to ask for the ground on which we are called upon to believe it. Formerly, a statement was made, and if it had authority for its repetition, and was confirmed by antiquity, it was received, and believed in, without further search; arguments arose from it, theories were founded on it, and conclusions were drawn from it, that no one disputed. But it was seen, when the world had become more enlightened, and was about to leave the deep ruts of other ages, that this was not the right way in which the search for truth is to be conducted; for if the statement itself is wrong, all the results supposed to flow from it are thereby vitiated. We are now taught in this way: Begin at the beginning; be sure that you

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