The Buddhist Catechism (book)

The Buddhist Catechism presents in the form of question and answer the basic Buddhist teachings compiled from the sacred writings of the southern Buddhists.

Publication history

On April 22, 1881, Col. Olcott sails for Ceylon (Sri Lanka) mainly for the purpose of raising an Educational Fund to start schools with. On May 5 he finishes the first draft of his Buddhist Catechism, which he compiled on his trip to Ceylon. The book is published on July 24 both in English and Sinhalese, with the financial support of Mrs. Ilangakoon of Mâtara. The two first editions were rapidly sold and before the end of August a third one became necessary.

The book is still in use in Sri Lanka and was translated into twenty languages and 44 editions.