CÍMLAP
|
CONTENTS, PREFACE |
Contents
Chapter I.: Introduction - Csoma's birthplace, parentage, and early
childhood - Studies at Nagy Enyed in Transylvania, and at the University of
Gottingen in Hanover - Plans and preparations for the journey - Departure
for the East
Chapter II.: Biographical sources - English and French authorities - Baron
von Hugel's data examined - First news of Csoma in India - His appearance
at the frontier - Detained at Sabathú - Csoma's first letter to Captain
Kennedy - Moorcroft's introduction
Chapter III.: Government orders respecting Csoma's stipend - His report
regarding his past studies in Hungary, Germany, and at the Buddhist
Monastery of Yangla in Zanskar - Account of his journey across Central
Asia - Plans for the future
Chapter IV.: Second journey into Tibet - Sojourn at Pukdal in Zanskar -
Csoma's position as to the Asiatic Society of Bengal - Return to Sabathú
Chapter V.: Embarrassing situation - Csoma petitions Government to be
allowed to visit Calcutta, or to go to Tibet for three years more to
complete his studies
Chapter VI.: Government orders on Csoma's last application - Third journey
into Tibet to Upper Besarh - Dr. Gerard's visit to Kanum, and his letter to
Mr. W. Traser on the subject
Chapter VII.: Csoma completes his Tibetan studies at Kanum - Correspondence
with Dr. Horace Hayman Wilson, Captain Kennedy, and Mr. Brian H. Hodgson
Chapter VIII.: Csoma's arrival in Calcutta - Resolution of Government of
India as to the publication of his works - Was elected Honorary Member of
the Asiatic Society of Bengal
Chapter IX.: The Tibet Grammar and Dictionary are published at Government
expense - Mr. Prinsep's letter to Government on the subject - Prince
Eszterházy to Mr. James Prinsep - Mr. Döbrentei, of Pest, to the same
Chapter X.: Csoma applies for a passport in November 1835 to enable him to
travel in Hindustan - Leaves Calcutta - His last letters to Mr. Prinsep -
Return to Calcutta in 1837 - Dr. Malan, Secretary of the Asiatic Society of
Bengal
Chapter XI.: Csoma's stay in Calcutta as Librarian to the Asiatic Society
of Bengal from 1837-1842 - Last arrangements - His bequest to the Asiatic
Society of Bengal - Leaves Calcutta for the last time - Sets out on his
journey to Lassa - Death at Darjeeling - Dr. Archibald Campbell's report
to the Secretary of Government - Csoma's grave and tombstone
Chapter XII.: Prince Eszterházy's inquiries regarding Csoma's papers - List
of some of them - Renewal of his tombstone at Darjeeling, which is placed
on the list of public monuments by Government - His portrait - Conclusion
List Csoma's works
I. Analysis of the Kahgyur and Stangyur
II. Geographical notice of Tibet
III. Translation of a Tibetan fragment
IV. Note on Kala-Ohakra and Adi-Buddha Systems
V. Translation of a Tibetan passport
VI. Origin of the Shaky a race
VII. Mode of expressing numerals in Tibetan
VIII. Extracts from Tibetan works
IX. Interpretation of the Tibetan inscription on a Bhotian banner taken in Assam
X. Note on the white satin-embroidered scarfs of the Tibetan priests
XI. Notices on different systems of Buddhism extracted from Tibetan authorities
XII. Enumeration of historical and grammatical works to be met with in Tibet
XIII. Remarks on amulets in use by the Trans-Himalayan Buddhists
XIV. Review of a Tibetan medical work
XV. Brief notice of Subháshita Ratna Nidhi of Saskya Pandita
XVI. A Manuscript Dictionary of Sanskrit and Tibetan words, phrases, and technical terms
XVII. A Comparative Vocabulary of Sanskrit, Hindi, Hungarian, &c., words and names. A fragment
Preface
Scanty as are the authentic data from which this biography was compiled, they form, nevertheless, a connected narrative of the chief events in the life of a remarkable man of science, who, although a foreigner, never published anything but in the English tongue. Few, if any, foreign savants have been honoured by Englishmen as he was; a fact to which the memorial standing over his grave bears ample testimony.
It is hoped that the reader will follow with sympathy the details of an arduous scientific career, the best years of which were offered to the service of the British Government, and will agree with us also in thinking that Alexander Csoma de Körös attained in some measure the reward he looked for, in so far that his name will never be omitted from any work bearing upon Tibetan literature or Buddhistic learning.
This biography is herewith presented to the reader in the sincere hope of a generous indulgence for its many shortcomings, although the production of it, imperfect as it is, has, in the circumstances under which it was prepared, necessitated the attention of many years before it could be brought to its present state of completion.
When the late Mr. Nicholas Trübner first saw the manuscript of this book, he at once kindly expressed his readiness to undertake its publication, and even suggested the desirability of editing a complete collection of all the works and essays of Csoma de Körös, which, at the present time, are only to be found scattered over many volumes of publications, extending over a period of more than thirty years. Perhaps Mr. Trübner's Successors may see their way to carry out the project he had in view, and to rescue, for the benefit of European students, the important work in manuscript which is noticed in the Appendix xvi. at page 207 of this volume.
The reader will observe that a certain latitude has been permitted in the spelling of Indian names and Tibetan words occurring in this work. In the text Dr. Hunter's system has been generally followed, but in the quotations, both from print and manuscripts, the ancient forms of spelling have in most cases been retained. As to the Tibetan words Csoma's authority was decisive; moreover, instead of adhering invariably to the strict rules of Tibetan orthography, with its frequent use of mute letters, the abbreviated forms have been preferred. The strict rendering of accents and diacritical marks seemed hardly requisite in a work like this.
The author desires to express his acknowledgments to Mr. Frederic Pincott, M.R.A.S., for important assistance rendered by him in reviewing and passing through the press the Sanskrit and Hindi part of the vocabulary at the end of the volume.
London, 55 Nevern Square,
South Kensington, February 1885.