Chap. XI.] WHEREIX THE TWO RELIGIONS AGREE. 531 



As regards tlie structure of the universe, the theories 

 of the Buddhists, though in a great degree borrowed from 

 the Brahmans, occupy a much less prominent position in 

 theii" mythology, and are less intimately identified with 

 their system of religion. Their attention has been directed 

 less to physical than to metaphysical disquisitions, and 

 their views of cosmogony have as httle of truth as of 

 imagination in their details. The basis of the system is a 

 declaration of the eternity of matter, and its submission at 

 remote intervals to decay and re-formation ; but this and 

 the organisation of animal life are but the results of 

 spontaneity and procession, not the products of will and 

 design on the part of an all powerftd Creator. 



Buddhism adopts something approaching to X\iq 

 mundane theory of the Brahmans, in the multiphcity and 

 superposition of worlds and the division of the eartli into 

 concentric continents, each separated by oceans of various 

 fabulous hquids. Its notions of geography are at once 

 fanciful and crude ; and again borrowing from the Shastras 

 its chronology, extends over boundless portions of time, 

 but invests with the authority of history only those occur- 

 rences wdiicli have taken place since the bu'th of Gotama 

 Buddha. 



The Buddhists beheve in the existence of lokas, or 

 heavens, each differing in glory, and serving as the tem- 

 porary residences of demigods and divinities, as well as of 

 men whose etheriahsation is but inchoate, and who have 

 yet to visit the earth in further births and acquire in 

 future transmigrations their complete attainment of 

 Nirwana. They believe likewise in the existence of hells 

 which are the abodes of demons or tormentors, and in 

 which the wicked undergo a purgatorial imprisonment 

 preparatory to an extended probation upon earth. Here 



man was just pushing off upon the 

 lake, '^ do you see the stsie of these 

 boats, in whieli our fishermen always 

 put to sea, and that tliat spar is al- 

 most equivalent to a second canoe, 



which keeps the first from upsetting ? 

 It is precisely so with myself : I add 

 on your religion to steady my own, 

 hecduse I consider Christidnity a venj 

 mfo ontriyyer to Uuddhitmi.'' 



M M 2 



