Buddhism and Buddhists in China by Lewis Hodous

Description

‘Buddhism and Buddhists in China’ is a book by Lewis Hodous, first published in 1924, that offers a missionary‑scholar’s in‑depth survey of Buddhism’s arrival, establishment, and adaptation within Chinese culture. Drawing from sixteen years of experience in Fujian Province, Hodous explores how Buddhism integrated with local folk beliefs, Confucianism, Taoism and ancestor worship. He examines its role among peasants, families and society, outlines spiritual values such as salvation, future life beliefs and ethical ideals, and even reflects on dialogue between Christianity and Chinese Buddhism from both empathetic and comparative perspectives. Context & influence: Balanced for its time, Hodous’s work was part of a missionary‑prepared series introducing Western readers to major world religions. Though inevitably colored by early 20th‑century Christian sensibilities, it strives for fairness and deep respect. Today it remains valued as both a historical ethnography and a source on the lived Buddhism of early modern China.

This book is available for free download in PDF, EPUB, and Kindle formats. Or you can read it online. No registration is required. Just click the links below the donation buttons.