Buddhist Wisdom: The Mystery of the Self

Grimm devotes a good part of his book to the elaboration of the anatta-doctrine; he states that the Buddha sought for the atta in the indirect way, by taking away from the atta everything that is not the atta. The Buddha followed this way so radically and with so much success, that whatever is cognizable revealed itself to his as anatta. He says: "You teach the atta, but I teach what the atta is not. You speak about the atta, but I speak of anatta; in short, you have the atta-method, the atta-vada, whereas I have the anatta-method, the anatta-vada."

Commenting on Grimm's work, Edward Conze states: "The more I am concerned with these things, the more convinced I become that George Grimm's interpretation of the Buddhist theory of atman comes nearest to the original teaching of the Buddha."

The present main work appeared in German language in fourteen impressions during the author’s lifetime. The fourteenth impression was translated into English by Bhikkhu Silacara* in 1926. As appendix were added “The Doctrine of the Buddha as the Flower of Indian Thought,” “The Metaphysics of the Buddha” and “Right Cognition.” In the meantime also the fifteenth and sixteenth thousand have appeared in the German impression. The author finds the connecting bridge to true Indian spirit as is once more expressed in a most excellent manner in the appendix in the chapter “The Doctrine of the Buddha as the Flower of Indian Thought.” This most comprehensive spirit already during the lifetime of Dr. George Grimm enabled a community of faithful followers to gather round him. After his decease on 26th August 1945 at Uttthg am Ammersee—he was born on 25th February 1868 at Roilbofen near Lauf an der Pegnitz in Middle Franconia — this community grew to considerable numbers; but his friends and admirers extend far beyond this narrower circle (cf. biographical notes at the end of the book). For this reason a second English edition has become necessary, which is herewith presented.

About the Author
George Grimm (1868-1945) after completing his theological studies, devoted himself to jurisprudence and chose the career of judge. The influence of Schopenhauer led him to Indological studies. A special attention he devoted to the study of Pali wherewith he came more into the attractive force of the Buddha-Dharmma. In circles, which became acquainted with him professionally, he was characterized as "Bavaria's most benevolent judge". He wrote from an attitude acquired by his practical realization of the Dharmma. He was writing, as he often said - for himself. The last twelve years of his life he spent in the rural stillness at the Ammersee.

Enjoy - and meditate on - this exceptional work. Thanks to the original uploader!