Thus encouraged, I have felt it my duty to make several alterations in the present impression, amongst the most important of which is the insertion of a Chapter on the doctrines of Buddhism as it developes itself in Ceylon.[1] In the historical sections I had already given an account of its introduction by Mahindo, and of the establishments founded by successive sovereigns for its preservation and diffusion.  To render the narrative complete, it was felt desirable to insert an abstract of the peculiar tenets of the Buddhists; and this want it has been my object to supply.  The sketch, it will be borne in mind, is confined to the principal features of what has been denominated “Southern Buddhism” amongst the Singhalese; as distinguished from “Northern Buddhism” in Nepal, Thibet, and China.[2] The latter has been largely illustrated by the labours of Mr. B.H.  HODGSON and the toilsome researches of M. CSOMA of Koerroes in Transylvania; and the minutest details of the doctrines and ceremonies of the former have been unfolded in the elaborate and comprehensive collections of Mr. SPENCE HARDY.[3] From materials discovered by these and other earnest inquirers, Buddhism in its general aspect has been ably delineated in the dissertations of BURNOUF[4] and SAINT HILAIRE[5], and in the commentaries of REMUSAT[6], STANISLAS JULIEN[7], FOUCAUX[8], LASSEN[9], and WEBER.[10] The portion thus added to the present edition has been to a great extent taken from a former work of mine on the local superstitions of Ceylon, and the “Introduction and Progress of Christianity” there; and as the section relating to Buddhism had the advantage, previous to publication, of being submitted to the Rev. Mr. GOGERLY, the most accomplished Pali scholar, as well as the most erudite student of Buddhistical literature in the island, I submit it with confidence as an accurate summary of the distinctive views of the Singhalese on the leading doctrines of their national faith.

[Footnote 1:  See Part IV., c. xi.]

[Footnote 2:  MAX MUELLER; History of Sanskrit Literature, p. 202.]

[Footnote 3:  Eastern Monachism, an account of the origin, laws; discipline, sacred writings, mysterious rites, religious ceremonies, and present circumstances of the Order of Mendicants, founded by Gotoma Budha. 8vo.  Lond. 1850; and A Manual of Buddhism in its Modern Development. 8vo.  Lond. 1853.]

[Footnote 4:  BURNOUF, Introduction a l’Histoire du Bouddhieme Indien. 4to.  Paris. 1845; and translation of the Lotus de la bonne Loi.]

[Footnote 5:  J. BARTHELEMY SAINT-HILAIRE Le Bouddha et sa Religion. 8vo.  Paris. 1800.]

[Footnote 6:  Introduction and Notes to the Fo[)e] Kou[)e] Ki of FA HIAN.]

[Footnote 7:  Life and travels of HIOUEN THSANG.]

[Footnote 8:  Translation of Lalitavistara by M. PH.  ED. FOUCAUX.]

[Footnote 9:  Author of the Indische Alterthumskunde; &c.]