Genre:

Letter, Extract

Publications extracted:

Benjamin Clough

Subjects:

Religion, Cosmology, Physical Geography, Astronomy

    Benjamin Clough relates his discussions with a Buddhist priest concerning the geography and cosmology of the Buddhist scriptures. In the course of these discussions, Clough 'produced some maps, a globe, a quadrant, and a compass, and proceeded to give him as correct an outline of our geography, navigation, &c.' as he was able 'and showed him by a variety of experiments, which he readily understood, how we must in the nature of things understand this matter' (558). He also pointed out that the Buddhist astronomy was erroneous. At the end of their interview, Clough reports, the priest thanked him and begged him to become his spiritual instructor.