Charles Eliot's monumental work, 'Hinduism and Buddhism (Vol. 1-3)', is a comprehensive exploration of Eastern spiritual traditions. Through detailed analysis and precise scholarship, Eliot delves into the historical, philosophical, and cultural aspects of Hinduism and Buddhism, providing readers with a deep understanding of these ancient belief systems. His writing is clear and concise, making complex ideas accessible to a wide audience. The book is a valuable resource for students of religion and philosophy, as well as anyone interested in the intersection of spirituality and culture. Eliot's meticulous research and insightful commentary offer a nuanced perspective on the evolution and significance of Hinduism and Buddhism in the global context. This seminal work remains a foundational text in the study of Eastern religions. Charles Eliot, a renowned scholar and diplomat, drew on his extensive knowledge of Asian cultures and languages to write 'Hinduism and Buddhism'. His experiences living in Asia and interacting with practitioners of these faiths informed his nuanced understanding of their teachings and practices. Eliot's background as a colonial administrator in India lent him a unique perspective on the intersections between Eastern spirituality and Western imperialism. I recommend 'Hinduism and Buddhism (Vol. 1-3)' to readers seeking a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Eastern religions. Eliot's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this work a must-read for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Hinduism, Buddhism, and the broader spiritual traditions of Asia.

Probably the first thought which will occur to the reader who is acquainted with the matters treated in this work will be that the subject is too large. A history of Hinduism or Buddhism or even of both within the frontiers of India may be a profitable though arduous task, but to attempt a historical sketch of the two faiths in their whole duration and extension over Eastern Asia is to choose a scene unsuited to any canvas which can be prepared at the present day. Not only is the breadth of the landscape enormous but in some places it is crowded with details which cannot be omitted while in others the principal features are hidden by a mist which obscures the unity and connection of the whole composition. No one can feel these difficulties more than I do myself or approach his work with more diffidence, yet I venture to think that wide surveys may sometimes be useful and are needed in the present state of oriental studies. For the reality of Indian influence in Asia—from Japan to the frontiers of Persia, from Manchuria to Java, from Burma to Mongolia—is undoubted and the influence is one. You cannot separate Hinduism from Buddhism, for without it Hinduism could not have assumed its medieval shape and some forms of Buddhism, such as Lamaism, countenance Brahmanic deities and ceremonies, while in Java and Camboja the two religions were avowedly combined and declared to be the same. Neither is it convenient to separate the fortunes of Buddhism and Hinduism outside India from their history within it, for although the importance of Buddhism depends largely on its foreign conquests, the forms which it assumed in its new territories can be understood only by reference to the religious condition of India at the periods when successive missions were despatched.

This is a facsimile edition of Sir Charles Eliot's great work on Hinduism and Buddhism, first published in 1921. Begun in 1907, it was practically complete when the World War I broke out. The author lived for some time in the Far East, and paid many visits to India, during which time he was able to collect and collate the vast amount of information presented here. This collection examines, amongst other things, the influence of Indian thought in Eastern Asia, the origin and growth of Hinduism, Eastern polytheism, Hindu and Buddhist scriptures, and new forms of Buddhism.