This text comprises two main parts, a grammar and a reader. A fifth of the book deals with Chinese grammar, together with information concerning the writings of Chinese and the use of dictionaries and other reference works. The core of the book presents a selection of some 30 passages from Buddhists works in Chinese. The bulk of the passages are taken from works dating from the Sui and Tang periods. Full vocabulary lists and notes explaining noteworthy grammatical or idiomatic features accompany the passages. Whenever appropriate Sanskrit equivalents are provided for the specialist vocabulary, together with reference to Sanskrit sources to illustrate the Chinese method of translation.