Although he was well known as an authority on spiritual traditions, Paul Carus was unusual in that he refused to align himself with any particular form of organized religion. In any case, his universalist view of God would probably have put him outside the allowable boundaries of Christian belief. Carus was particularly active in raising awareness of Eastern spiritual traditions in the West.
Paul Carus (1852-1919) was a scholar, translator and researcher into comparative religion. He was a prolific author, producing works on philosophy, mathematics and science as well as translations of major Chinese and Japanese spiritual classics.
Carus was a pioneer in the promotion of inter-religious dialogue, and was a speaker at the World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago, in 1893.
Although he refused to ally himself with a specific religious denomination, Carus had a particular reverence for Buddhism, and in 1896, published this succinct guide to the basic doctrines of the religion.
My dear children, do not blame others for your lack of success. Seek the cause of your ills in yourselves. Unless you are blinded by vanity you will discover your fault, and having discovered it you will see the way out of it. The remedy for your ills, too, lies in yourselves. Never let your mental eyes be covered by the dust of selfishness, and remember the words which have proved a talisman in my life: ' Who injureth others, Himself hurteth sore. Who others assisteth, Himself helpeth more. Let th' illusion of self From your mind disappear: And you'll find the way sure; The path will be clear.'
If you heed my words and obey these injunctions you will, when you come to die, continue to live in the Good Karma that you have stored up, and your souls will be immortalised according to your deeds.'
