Chapter III, Buddhism, The Rebel Saint, Summary and Analysis

The rise of Buddhism might be compared to the Protestant Reformation in that it was a reaction to the excesses of the Hinduism of the day. The religion of Buddhism arose full-blown almost overnight. Inherently, religion requires people above average to occupy administrative positions, and rituals come into existence. Following administration and ritual, speculation finds its place in answering the mysteries of life, and that is followed by traditions. These things lead to the grace or beliefs of the religion and ultimately its mysteries. In the Hinduism of the day, these six features had become overblown and distorted.

The Buddha preached a religion devoid of authority by admonishing his followers to "be lamps unto yourselves" (p. 94). His religion was also lacking in ritual as he ridiculed rites as mere superstitions, trappings...