F. Max Müller (1823–1900)

This book consists of a series of lectures, first published in 1882. Müller, who never visited India himself, gave these lectures to young Oxbridge men heading out to the foreign service in India and Müller's intent here is to encourage them and convince them that India is not a purgatory, but worthy of their interest and attention. It must be noted that his lectures contain the attitudes of the time, although Müller strives to convince his listeners that the harmful stereotypes are show more untrue. Eventually, his true passion is revealed and it's linguistics. From urging the reader to learn Sanskrit, to a breathless examination of how words can reveal connections between far-flung countries, linguistics is where these lectures become more than just quaint historical artifacts. That said, the audience for this book is vanishingly small and the same information is better communicated elsewhere. show less

While these writings are not enjoyable in a modern narrative sense, they are wonderful for their historical and religious impact on religions and society.
They should be read by anyone, especially if Judeo-Christian so as to see the similarities.
Do not let the flame go out!

The Chinese concept of “wu-wei,” “effortless action,” brings to mind the words of Christ to the Pharisee Saul on the road to Damascus, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads” (Acts 26:14). Unlike Saul "kicking against the goads," "wu-wei" is more akin to the words in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make plain your paths." show more Perhaps, if we are living like that, we will also be following the Tao, “the Way,” whom some believe to be Christ, Who calls Himself the Way. show less

While these writings are not enjoyable in a modern narrative sense, they are wonderful for their historical and religious impact on religions and society.
They should be read by anyone, especially if Judeo-Christian so as to see the similarities.
Do not let the flame go out!