A History of Indian Literature v2.c15: From the Preface to the German Edition, Volume II, Second Half

A History of Indian Literature v2.c15

Language: English

From the Preface to the German Edition, Volume II, Second Half

v2.c15.1

The second half of Volume II (p. 289 ff.) is devoted to the literature of the Jainas, which, as in the case of Buddhist literature is presented here for the first time as a connected whole.

Since the publication of the first half of this volume, seven years have elapsed. During this period much work has been done in the field of Buddhist literature. I have utilised everything of importance, in as far as I was informed of it,¹ in the "Corrections and Additions," as also the valuable reviews which individual scholars—J. *Charpentier* (WZKM 27, 1913, pp. 85-96), H. *Haas* (Zeitschrift für Missionskunde und Religionswissenschaft 28, 1913, pp. 111-123), P. E. *Pavolini* (GSAI 25, 1912, pp. 323-325), T. W. *Rhys Davids* (JRAS, 1913, 479-483) and H. *Kern* (Ostasiatische Zeitschrift II, 1913-14, pp. 471-481)—devoted to my book. I had to deal somewhat more exhaustively (p. 357 ff.) with the latest studies of R. O. *Franke* and with the criticism which the same scholar has devoted to my book, as these concern the most essential part of my work. The fact that, in his views regarding the person of the Buddha and the historical significance of the Buddhist writings, *Franke* occupies a rather isolated position among the competent scholars, would certainly not be a reason against his being right after all. However, I hope I have shown that neither the extreme scepticism of *Franke* nor his attitude towards the Nikāyas, which diverges so very widely from the current conception, are so convincing as to induce me to make any essential alteration in what I have said about the Pāli canon...

v2.c15.3

¹ Unfortunately much may have escaped my notice. The terrible world-war which lies between the appearance of the first and second half of this volume, has also hit our science badly, and made it very difficult, often impossible, for us to avail ourselves of the studies of our English, American, Indian, French and Italian colleagues.

v2.c15.4

I am indebted to my pupil Dr. Otto *Stein* for his assistance in the correction of the proofs of the second half of this volume and in the revision of the Index.

v2.c15.5

During the time which has elapsed since the publication of the first half of this volume, death has made deep gaps in the ranks of the scholars whose studies afforded some of the most valuable basic material of this work. Heinrich *Kern*, the patriarch among Buddha researchers, Ernst *Windisch*, to whom we are indebted for some of the most valuable researches into Buddhist literature, Paul *Deussen*, the enthusiastic pioneer of ancient Indian philosophy, and Hermann *Oldenberg*, who had so profound a knowledge of both Buddhist and Vedic literature and religion, coupled with so great a talent in presenting them, who scarcely left a single field of the culture of India uncultivated, have passed away in rapid succession. My dear friend Leopold von *Schroeder*, too, who more than thirty years ago, undertook to write a history of Indian literature and culture, and to whom I was permitted to dedicate this work as a token of grateful admiration, and who ever followed its progress with affectionate interest, is no longer among the living. The memory of these men will not fade in the history of our science,—*na hi karma kṣīyate*—for "deeds are not lost."

v2.c15.6

Prague, *29th July, 1920.*

Linked texts (1)

Mahābhārata — Vyāsa, Sanskrit