Paul Carus (1852-1919) was a scholar, translator and researcher into comparative religion. He was a prolific author, producing works on philosophy, mathematics and science as well as translations of major Chinese and Japanese spiritual classics.

Carus was a pioneer in the promotion of inter-religious dialogue, and was a speaker at the World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago, in 1893.

Although he refused to ally himself with a specific religious denomination, Carus had a particular reverence for Buddhism, and in 1896, published this succinct guide to the basic doctrines of the religion.