[L. 55 | 62] 3 July 1963

I have just glanced at the Huxley. I think it is of importance to emphasize that wherever he uses the word 'religion' this has absolutely no connexion (whatever he may think about it) with the essence of the Buddha's Teaching (Dukkha, Samudaya, Nirodha, Magga). I am aware that Huxley mentions Buddhism; but all his Buddhism (including that of his novels—After Many A Summer and so on) is Mahāyāna. And, in spite of all our religious demagogues have to say about it, Mahāyāna is not the Buddha's Teaching. People say that it is most desirable at the present time that Buddhists the world over should be united. Perhaps it is desirable, perhaps not; but in whatever way they do propose to unite, it must be done not on the pretext that Mahāyāna correctly interprets the basic Teaching. (Alas! Much that passes in Theravādin countries for the correct interpretation comes from Mahāyāna. The Milindapañha, I think, is largely responsible.)