In the first paragraph, why does the author write that Buddhism has "serenity, assurance and power"?
He wants to convince readers that Buddhism is worth studying.
He wants to convince readers that Buddhism is a daunting subject.
He wants to show that Buddhists are worthy opponents.
He wants to show that Buddhists consider themselves important.

A. He wants to convince readers that Buddhism is worth studying.

Explanation:

This is the excerpt from the preface to "Buddhism and Buddhists in China" by professor Hodous.

Professor Hodous has written this book after long years of research and missionary work in China, where he directly got familiar with their ways and philosophy, uniting in that way practical knowledge with experience.

So, the author of ths preface wanted to share with the readers some of the reasons that attracted professor to study Buddhism so deeply as well as to awake some curiosity in them to do the same.

what's the topic we have to write about?

demonstrative is te word i think