59. The Magazine “The Buddhist”

Recently a journal has begun to appear in Leipzig called “ Der Buddhist. Unabhängige deutsche Monatsschrift für das Gesamtgebiet des Buddhismus und die buddhistische Welt. Deutsche Monatsblätter zur Orientierung über die buddhistische Mission im Morgen- und Abendlande.” Its editor is Karl B. Seidenstücker, who is known for publishing writings from the field of Buddhist worldviews. The journal announces the founding of a “Buddhist Mission Association in Germany,” which has the purpose of “promoting and spreading Buddhism in German-speaking countries.”

The magazine presents itself as a thorough presentation of the Buddhist world view. For example, in a sharp and appropriate way, an article by Bhikkhu Ananda Maitriya characterizes the concept of “Nibbana,” whereby the Buddhist understanding of this term is clearly elaborated. In general, the magazine places a great deal of emphasis on clearly presenting the Buddhist point of view, which does not start from the “higher self” (Atma), but rather looks at this self from the perspective of the non-self. Such precise characterizations alone can promote an understanding of a worldview. Von Seidenstücker's articles are mentioned: “God and Gods, or is Buddhism atheistic?” and “Mahäbodhi”.

Insofar as the magazine serves to educate about the Buddhist worldview, it must be considered a highly commendable undertaking. However, insofar as it pursues a missionary purpose in German-speaking countries, it should be noted that propagandistically disseminating the worldview of one people within another contradicts the higher laws of intellectual life. Truth is one and the same, but it must take on different forms depending on the time and the cultural area. Buddhism is the truth in the guise that is appropriate for its people. In particular, its starting point of non-self would contradict the tasks of the present Western world, which must find the way to truth precisely through the higher development of self. Theosophy differs from all similar missionary attempts of a particular form of world view in that it focuses on the one life of truth and, with regard to the forms in which it presents this life, takes into account the character of certain cultures. The Occident is in a phase of development in which Christianity, by recognizing its true essence, must bring about a new epoch. Theosophy recognizes this as a requirement of the laws of evolution. — But the “Buddhist Mission Association in Germany” has the following words in its statutes: “The B.M.V. stands on the ground of tolerance and refrains from any attack on any religious or ecclesiastical communities. It declares its sympathy for all endeavors that serve spiritual progress and true humanity and that benefit living beings for the sake of their well-being and salvation.” If it really works in this spirit, then its practical result cannot contradict that of Theosophy. And the magazine will undoubtedly contribute to the goal of making the Buddhist religion known to Europeans through its serious character. And that is also one of the tasks of Theosophy.