| The earlier forms of Buddhist ceremonials are of the | | | | Yet though the scenic effect may be similar, there is |
| synagogue type (though in no way derived from | | | | often a difference in the nature of the rite. Direct |
| Jewish sources) for, though there is no prayer, they | | | | invocations are not wanting in Tibetan and Far Eastern |
| consist chiefly of confession, preaching and reading the | | | | Buddhism but many services consist not of prayers |
| scriptures. But this puritanic severity could not be | | | | but of the recitation of scripture by which merit is |
| popular and the veneration of images and relics was | | | | acquired. This merit is then formally transferred by the |
| soon added to the ritual. The former was adopted by | | | | officiants to some special object, such as the peace |
| Buddhism earlier than by the Brahmans. The latter, | | | | of the dead or the prosperity of a living suppliant. |
| though a conspicuous feature of Buddhism in all lands, | | | | The later phases of both Hinduism and Buddhism are |
| is almost unknown to Hinduism. | | | | permeated by what is called Tantrism, that is to say |
| In their later developments Buddhist and Christian | | | | the endeavour to attain spiritual ends by ritual acts |
| ceremonies show an extraordinary resemblance due | | | | such as gestures and the repetition of formulae. These |
| in my opinion chiefly to convergence, though I do not | | | | expedients are dangerous and may become puerile, |
| entirely exclude mutual influence. Both Buddhism and | | | | but those who ridicule them often forget that they |
| Roman Catholicism accepted pagan ritual with some | | | | may be termed sacramental with as much propriety |
| reservations and refinements. The worship has for its | | | | as magical and are in fact based on the same theory |
| object an image or a shrine containing a relic which is | | | | as the sacraments of the Catholic Church. When a |
| placed in a conspicuous position at the end of the hall | | | | child is made eligible for salvation by sprinkling with |
| of worship. Animal sacrifices are rejected but offerings | | | | water, by the sign of the cross and by the mantra "In |
| of flowers, lights and incense are permitted, as well as | | | | the Name of the Father," etc., or when the divine spirit |
| the singing of hymns. It is not altogether strange if | | | | is localized in bread and wine and worshiped, these |
| Buddhist and Catholic rituals starting from the same | | | | rites are closely analogous to tantric ceremonial. |
| elements ended by producing similar scenic effects. | | | | |