Like the later great reformer, Mohammed, Gautama the Buddha, had the most perfect confidence in himself, his convictions and his mission; this mission was “to set rolling the royal chariot-wheel of a universal empire of truth and righteousness.” He went to Benares, and there, by teaching, sought to spread the knowledge of his method of reaching a perfect inward peace. In about three months he had gathered together sixty disciples; these he sends forth to preach his faith. He himself was accustomed to travel, preach and teach, except during the four rainy months, from June to October, when he remained in one place, instructing his declared disciples. Once he visited his old home, and his wife, Yasodhara, became one of his disciples; she was the first of the Buddhist nuns. Gautama died at the age of eighty years. His body was burned with much pomp, and his disciples contended for the unburned bones. They were divided in eight parts, and temple-mounds, called _topes_, were built over each. THE “LIGHT OF ASIA” AND THE “LIGHT OF THE WORLD.” One cannot help comparing Gautama, the Buddha, and Jesus, the Christ. There is, beyond question, a great deal of both good and evil in Buddha’s life and teaching. It is wise for us to recognize both good and evil, and to “hold fast to that which is good.” We do not think that it is placing Buddha on too high a ground when we say that he stands nearest to Christ of all the founders of religions. We must not confound the teachings of Buddha with the superstitious notions of his followers of to-day. The present Buddhism of Asia is but little like the Buddhism of Gautama’s teaching. Further, we must strip off the legends, the additions of a later day, and seek to read the story of his life that lies beneath them. In addition to this, we must try to place ourselves in closest sympathy with our subject. [Illustration: IDOL OF BUDDHA. HIS IDOLS ARE USUALLY OF THIS SHAPE, PROPORTION AND POSITION, THOUGH INFINITELY VARIED IN SIZE AND QUALITY.]