Author: H W Schumann
Translator(s): M O'C Walshe
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 274
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8120818172
Description
No man has had a greater influence on the spiritual development of his people than Siddhartha Gautama. Born in India in the sixth century BC into a nation hungry for spiritual experience, he developed a religious and moral teaching that, to this day, brings comfort and peace to all who practice it.
Having immersed himself in the asceticism and self-deprivation prevalent among religious teachers, he saw that spiritual emancipation could be achieved only through the mind. His eightfold path for right living is a means to liberation from suffering and forms the basis of Buddhist humanism.
This comprehensive biography examines the social, religious and political conditions that gave rise to Buddhism as we now know it. It explores the spiritual traditions from which Buddha broke away and places his teachings a influence in a thoroughly researched historical context.
REVIEW
Written in simple language that makes it easy for even a lay reader to comprehend the Buddha’s Doctrine. The Buddha according to Schumann, who relies heavily on the Pali Canon, is viewed no longer as a holy man floating in the air, but as a worldly-wise organizer who knew how to exploit political situations with tactical skill. Certain myths are also cleared, as for example, the fact that behind all sukkha is linked dukkha did not strike him just before the adopted the homeless life as legend has it.
The book and its few illustrations is a comprehensive biography examining the social, religious and political conditions that gave rise to Buddhism.
-The Afternoon, Mumbai
Contents
Foreword by Alex Wayman
List of Illustrations
Preface
Note on Chronology
Guide to Pronunciation
Abbreviations
Youth, Quest and Enlightenment
The Foundation of the Other and the Beginning of the Mission
The First Twenty Years
The Doctrine, The Order, The Laity
Gotama-Psychological Aspects
Later Years
The Great Return Home
Afterwards
Bibliography
Index