The present publication comprises two essays of Ananda K. Coomaraswamy, which were originally published in 1943. They are authoritative expositions of the teachings of these religions as understood by those who practised them rather than understood by scholars and comparative religionists. Coomaraswamy assumes that Hinduism, even in its oldest form, was neither polytheistic nor pantheistic and it is the oldest of the surviving mystery religions whose formulations are essentially the same those of Platonism, Christianity and other traditional doctrines. Buddhism is also treated in the same manner. He asserts that Buddhism is not a new religion but rather a reiteration with different emphases of the same old Vedic teachings.

This edition enlarged and enriched with authentic revisions by the learned author himself will remain ever authoritative.

RAMA P. COOMARASWAMY is the only surviving son of Dr. Ananda K. Coomaraswamy. He was Associate Professor of Surgery at the Albert Einste College of Medicine, New York. At present, he is Professor of Ecclesiastical History at the St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Connecticut. He has authored over 40 articles in the surgical research field as well as innumerable articles in theology and philosophy.