Buddhism And Hinduism: Annotated Bibliography

The Journeys in the Study documented the progression of the definitions of Buddhism and Hinduism in the Webster Dictionary over the course of 1828, 1849, and 1864. The primary source was written by professors at Yale University. Each definition was composed by professor Edward Salisbury with the help of William Dwight Whitney. Being that the Webster Dictionary is an American composition, the intended audience was aimed towards American’s looking to learn about Asian religions. The intended purpose for this document was to clarify the structures of Buddhism and Hinduism. Multiple advances in globality and communication technology occurred throughout the making of this source, which depicts it as a way to understand cultures Americans were

not previously able to research. During this time there was an increased interest in the cultures from across the globe due to war and technological expansion.
The Webster dictionary source holds a decent amount of bias because it was written from an American who does not practice either religion. The professor documents the religion in a very broad way. It does clarify the Buddhist superior, Buddha. This source correlates with the material learned in this course in the lines, “This state, called Nirvana, or Nicban, is regarded as the ultimate supreme good, and the highest reward of virtue among men” (Whitney). The course touches on the subject and intent of nirvana often. I believe it justified the concept of nirvana well but it does not acknowledge enlightenment and the differences between the two.
The text lacked a well rounded expansion on all Asian religions. The Buddhist definition was much lengthier and in depth than the Hindu definition. One reason for this may be the unfamiliarity and unpopularity of Hinduism of the intended audience. During the time it was written, The United States still lacked a broad outlook in terms of cultural awareness and diversity. Expanding on the lack of Hindu information, the source also did not include other Asian religions such as Confucianism and Islam. By excluding a holistic approach in defining Asian religion and cultures, the Webster dictionary proves bias and lacks credibility.
Overall the Webster definition constitutes the religion in a short and precise manner. With regards to the bias of this source, the definition also leaves out a proper distinction of other Asian religions. I believe there is no way to fully comprehend the Buddhist religion without reading and interpreting the Dhammapada. I question the extent of research done in preparation for documenting this source.