Great Indian Religion - Book Summary

This document is a summary of "The Great Indian Religions" by G.T. Bettany, published by Ward, Lock, Bowden & Co. in 1892. It is part of "The World's Religions" series.

The book aims to provide a popular account of Brahmanism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism, along with sacred texts and related religions like Sikhism and Jainism.

Key Themes and Religions Covered:

Early Vedic Religion (Chapter I):
- Discusses the antiquity of the Vedas, likely dating back to a thousand years before Christ.
- Highlights the worship of personified Nature powers (e.g., Dyaus and Prithivi, Mitra and Varuna, Indra, Agni, Surya).
- Explores the early concepts of immortality and a future life.
- Notes the transition towards monotheism and pantheism in later Vedic thought.
- Explains the gradual rise of the Brahmans and the origins of the caste system.
- Mentions the Brahmanas and Upanishads as later, more complex developments.
- Discusses animal sacrifice and hints at human sacrifice.
- Touches upon the idea of the sun's course and transmigration of souls.
Brahmanism of the Codes (Chapter II):
- Focuses on the Sutras as condensed statements of Vedic truth and ceremonial laws.
- Introduces rationalist philosophers and the six Shastras.
- Outlines common tenets such as the eternity of the soul and matter, the bondage of the soul to the body, karma, transmigration, and the aim of emancipation.
- Explains how to attain emancipation through the removal of ignorance and desire.
- Details the four orders of Brahmans (student, householder, ascetic, hermit) and their duties.
- Discusses the laws of Manu, their alleged origin, and their emphasis on self-repression and the study of the Vedas.
- Highlights the exalted claims and privileges of the Brahmans.
- Explains the duties of the four castes and the concept of "new births" and hells.
- Mentions the gradual growth of mixed castes and the efficacy of the code.
- Briefly mentions the Code of Yajnavalkya.
Modern Hinduism (Chapters III & IV):
- Describes Hinduism as a reaction against Brahmanism and the eventual downfall of Indian Buddhism.
- Explains the caste system as a product of social and religious development.
- Discusses the influence of epic poems like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
- Highlights the Bhagavad-gita and the concept of Krishna as an avatar of Vishnu.
- Explores the doctrine of incarnations (avatars) of Vishnu.
- Details the worship of Vishnu and Siva, and the development of the Puranas.
- Mentions prominent Vishnuite preachers like Ramanuja and Ramanand, and figures like Kabir and Chaitanya.
- Discusses the influence of Buddhism on Hinduism, including monastic communities and the adoption of Buddhist ideas.
- Explains the worship of the linga and salagram, and the popular Hindu deities (Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, Lakshmi, Durga, Kali, Ganesa, Ganga).
- Describes the worship of local deities, demons, animals, and trees, and the deification of heroes and saints.
- Covers various aspects of modern Hindu worship, including household worship, the role of the guru, temple services, festivals, pilgrimages (Benares, Puri), and the strict daily rituals of Brahmans.
- Discusses the position of women, the practice of suttee (though its abolition is noted), and the disconnect between religion and morals in Hinduism.
- Mentions the rise of theistic sects like the Sikhs and the Brahmo Somaj, and figures like Rammohun Roy and Keshub Chunder Sen.
- Explains concepts like fatalism, Maya (illusion), transmigration of souls, and the elaborate descriptions of heavens and hells.
- Details Hindu funeral rites and ceremonies for the dead.
Life of Buddha (Chapter V):
- Frames Buddhism as a reaction to Brahmanism and a reform movement.
- Discusses the historical context and the real existence of Buddha.
- Covers Buddha's youth, the "Great Renunciation," his long retirement, enlightenment, and temptation.
- Explains the opening of his mission and the "eightfold path."
- Highlights the origin of suffering and the freedom offered by Buddhism.
- Describes his itinerant life, the Buddhist gardens, and interactions with various people, including the courtesan Ambapali.
- Details the formation of the Buddhist Order of monks (Bhikkhu).
- Contrasts Buddha's approach with socialism and notes that his early adherents were primarily from upper classes.
- Mentions Buddha's principal adherents and lay believers, and the reception of nuns.
- Discusses opposition to Buddhism from Brahmans and Buddha's method of teaching (Socratic method, parables).
- Covers the "Book of the Great Decease," Buddha's final discourse, his last temptation, death, and funeral.
Buddhist Doctrines and Sacred Books (Chapter VI):
- Reiterates Buddhism as a reaction from Brahmanism, focusing on suffering and ignorance.
- Explains the concept of the "Eternal Immutable" and the vanity of earthly things.
- Introduces the "causal nexus" and human responsibility.
- Discusses the doctrines of Karma, punishment of evil, and the concept of "Buddhism," often misconstrued as nihilism.
- Explains the state of Nirvana as the extinction of desire and suffering, not necessarily annihilation.
- Details the moral precepts, which are utilitarian and focused on self-discipline.
- Highlights negative morality (prohibitions) and positive aspects like benevolence and beneficence (though often tied to merit-making).
- Explains the role of temptation (Mara) and the struggle of the soul.
- Describes states of abstraction and the four grades of attainment.
- Discusses the person of Buddha as the first universal Buddha, not a god, but an enlightened teacher.
- Details the Buddhist Scriptures (Pali Canon: Vinaya, Sutta, Dharma-pitakas) and the Dhammapada.
The Buddhist Order (Chapter VII):
- Focuses on the organization, rules, and perpetuation of Buddha's teachings through the Order of monks.
- Describes the Mahavagga and the fortnightly meetings for confession and penance.
- Outlines strict regulations for monks, including limitations on possessions and personal appearance.
- Explains the profession of faith and the absence of a corporate body or head after Buddha.
- Details assemblies or councils, limitations on admission, and the form of reception into the Order.
- Covers the four resources and four prohibitions for monks.
- Discusses the ease of leaving the Order and its advantages.
- Highlights the prohibition of silver and gold, the seemly outward appearance, companionship, tutelage, recitations, and discussions.
- Mentions retirement, love of nature, and few ceremonies in early Buddhism, contrasting with other religions.
- Explains the reverence for Buddha and holy places, and the role of the confessional (Pattimokkha).
- Details the Kullavagga concerning offenses and penances, and the Pavarana (invitation) ceremony.
- Describes the nuns or sisters and their subordinate position to the monks.
- Discusses the laity and their role in supporting the Order, and the concept of "Esoteric Buddhism" and Karma.
Modern Buddhism (Chapters VIII & IX):
- Modern Buddhism (F) (Chapter VIII):
  - Compares Buddhism to other missionary religions and notes its multi-faceted nature.
  - Traces the historical development through councils (Asoka, Kanishka), the divergence of branches, and the decline of Indian Buddhism.
  - Discusses the "Greater" and "Lesser" Vehicles of Buddhist scripture and their influence in different regions (Ceylon, Burma, Siam, Nepal, Tibet, China, Japan).
  - Addresses the challenges of counting Buddhist adherents and notes the gradual modification and elaboration of Buddhism in modern times.
  - Details practices in Singhalese Buddhism (vihara, images, dagobas, relics, worship of the Bo-tree, Pirit ceremony, role of monks).
  - Explains Burmese Buddhism (monastery schools, novices, Phongyees, pagodas, Nat worship, animism, funerals).
  - Briefly touches upon Siamese Buddhism (temples, newborn children, reformed sects).
- Modern Buddhism (F - continued) (Chapter IX):
  - Focuses on Tibetan Buddhism, its hierarchy, scriptures, worship of the Triad, Bodhisatvas (Maitraya), Dhyani-Buddhas, Buddhist heavens, and Lamas (Grand Lama).
  - Details the history of Tibetan Buddhism, the influence of Mongol emperors, and the succession of Grand Lamas.
  - Describes the great monasteries and the concept of Potala as the "Vatican of Buddhism."
  - Explains Tibetan praying practices using machinery (prayer cylinders, prayer walls and flags).
  - Covers daily worship of monks and festivals, and the "Papal domain" of Buddhism in Tibet.
  - Discusses Chinese Buddhism, its introduction, mythical details, opposition from Confucianists, and modern state (temples, images, popular aspect, Buddhist calendar).
  - Highlights the influence of Buddhism on Chinese religion, art, and literature, and mentions the "Do-nothing sect."
  - Briefly describes Japanese Buddhism, the Shin-shin sect, and their beliefs.
Jainism (Chapter X):
- Compares Jainism with Buddhism, noting their co-evolution and similarities, as well as Jainism's survival in India due to its charitable actions.
- Identifies Mahavira (Vardhamana) as the 24th prophet and founder.
- Explains Jain beliefs, including Nirvana as liberation from transmigration, the importance of right perception and knowledge, and the absence of a supreme deity.
- Details Jain practices regarding animals and plants, their cleanliness rituals, and their rejection of Vedas, gods, and caste (though with practical compromises).
- Discusses the two main sects: Digambaras (sky-clad) and Svetambaras (white-robed).
- Highlights significant Jain temples and pilgrimage sites like Palitana and Mount Abu.
- Mentions Parasnath as an important Jain center.
- Describes the role of "Yatis" (ascetics) and their practices.
Zoroaster and the Zend-Avesta (Chapter XI):
- Introduces the Parsees and their sacred book, the Avesta.
- Discusses the language of the Avesta and its origins.
- Explains the historical context of the Magi, their influence on ancient cultures, and their role in the development of the religion.
- Presents Zoroaster as a real personage, though subject to mythical developments, and discusses his life and date.
- Details the core doctrines of Zoroaster, particularly dualism (Ahura Mazda vs. Angra Mainyu/Ahriman).
- Emphasizes the importance attached to thoughts and the concept of human responsibility.
- Compares Zoroastrianism with early Aryan religions, noting the divergence in the meaning of terms like "deva" and "asura."
- Describes the attributes of Ahura Mazda and the Amesha-Spentas (blissful immortals).
- Introduces other Yazatas (spiritual genii) like Mithra, Vayu, and Sraosha.
- Explains the concepts of "Soul of the Bull" (Geush-urvan) and the Fravashis (spirits).
- Discusses the universal conflict between good and evil, future rewards and punishments, and the final dissolution and renovation of the world.
The Zoroastrian Books—Mithraism (Chapter XII):
- Details the origin and date of the Avesta, focusing on the Gathas and Vendidad.
- Explains Zoroastrian practices concerning impurity of corpses, exposure of the dead, and laws of contracts.
- Describes the Vispered and Yasna as liturgies.
- Traces the rise of the Magi and the loss of Zoroastrian books, leading to the reliance on Pahlavi texts like the Bundahish.
- Introduces Mithraism, its likely origins, and its antagonism with early Christianity.
- Details Mithraic ceremonies and symbolism.
Modern Parseeism (Chapter XIII):
- Describes the Parsees, their resilience, principles (purity, charity), and persecution.
- Explains their religious practices, including the role of the priesthood, devotions of the laity, festivals, and ceremonies.
- Details deathbed forms, the "towers of silence," and ceremonies for departed souls.
- Highlights their family life and the growing education of women.
- Reiterates the importance of reverence for Ormuzd (symbolized by fire), dread of Ahriman, and practical charity.
- Mentions modern Parsee scholars and their contributions to understanding ancient texts.

This comprehensive summary covers the main points presented in the book, outlining the historical development, core beliefs, practices, and societal impact of these major religions as understood and presented by G.T. Bettany in 1892.