ABSTRACT
THE reader is now invited to give his attention to some sketches of the influence of Buddhism on the national life of the Chinese. It has been unquestionably great. The Hindoo mode of thought is more speculative and philosophical than the Chinese. The practical Chinese mind had not amused itself with visiting those subtle depths of speculation which were familiar to the Hindoo. They could not invent an abstract philosophy like that of Buddhism, but they could follow it, and understand it when translated into their language. In the early part of the Christian era, translations of a vast nun)ber of philosophical and other works were made from the Sanscrit. They taught the Buddhist doctrines in an elegant form, which could not fail to attract readers in a cultivated nation like the Chinese. Some traces of their influence will now be pointed out as found in the WOJ;ks of celebrated authors.
