Produced by U Hla Maung. HTML and Unicode versions by Al Haines. _Namō Tassā Bhagavatō Arahatō Sammā Sambuddhassa_ THE BUDDHIST CATECHISM BY HENRY S. OLCOTT PRESIDENT-FOUNDER OF THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY _Approved and recommended for use in Buddhist schools by H. Sumangala, Pradhana Nayaka Sthavira, High Priest of Sripada and the Western Province and Principal of the Vidyodaya Parivena_ FORTY-FOURTH EDITION. (Corrected) Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar, Madras LONDON AND BENARES: THEOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING SOCIETY 1915 DEDICATION In token of respect and affection I dedicate to my counsellor and friend of many years, Hikkaduwe Sumangala, Pradhāna Nāyaka Sthavīra and High Priest of Adam's Peak (Sripada) and the Western Province, THE BUDDHIST CATECHISM, in its revised form. H. S. OLCOTT _Adyar_, 1903. CONTENTS THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA THE DHARMA OR DOCTRINE THE SANGHA THE RISE AND SPREAD OF BUDDHISM BUDDHISM AND SCIENCE APPENDIX--The Fourteen Propositions accepted by the Northern and Southern Buddhists as a Platform of Unity CERTIFICATE TO THE FIRST EDITION VIDYODAYA COLLEGE, _Colombo_, 7_th July_, 1881. I hereby certify that I have carefully examined the Sinhalese version of the Catechism prepared by Colonel H. S. Olcott, and that the same is in agreement with the Canon of the Southern Buddhist Church. I recommend the work to teachers in Buddhist schools, mid to all others who may wish to impart information to beginners about the essential features of our religion. H. SUMANGALA, _High Priest of Sripada and Galle, and Principal of the Vidyodaya Parivena._ VIDYODAYA COLLEGE, _April_ 7, 1897. I have gone over the thirty-third (English) edition of the Catechism, with the help of interpreters, and confirm my recommendation for its use in Buddhist schools. H. SUMANGALA. PREFACE TO THE THIRTY-THIRD EDITION