The Doctrine of the Buddha: The Religion of Reason

The Doctrine of the Buddha, originally published in 1920, is the fruit of George Grimm's intensive studies and practical realization of the Buddha's teaching. Grimm belongs to a minority of scholars of original Buddhism, along with Ananda Coomarawamy and C.A.F. Rhys Davids, who hold that the Buddha's doctrine of anatta has been grossly misunderstood, and he lays out the case for his interpretation herein. After completing his theological studies, George Grimm (1846-1945) devoted himself to jurisprudence and was characterized as 'Bavaria's most benevolent judge'. His interest in philosophical problems led him to study Schopenhauer's works, which in turn led him to Indological studies. In 1921 he founded the 'Altbuddhistische Gemeinde', (Old Buddhist Community). He spent the last twelve years of his life in the rural stillness of Upper Bavaria.