"Furnishes readers curious about the Buddha with a deep and broad introduction to his many lives."
Description
Revealing the man behind the icon.
Today the Buddha is honoured throughout the world as one of the great religious figures in the history of humankind. His greatness lies in his teachings, and in the religious community that he founded, but also in his exemplary life story. In this authoritative biography, John Strong presents that story the way Buddhists have told it - from accounts of his previous lives, and the story of his birth and upbringing, through to his enlightenment, deathbed deeds, and ongoing presence in the relics that he left behind. Along the way, he explores the roots of key Buddhist beliefs and practices, making this volume not only a useful study of the life of the Buddha, but a helpful introduction to Buddhism as a whole.
Genres
Pages224
Released2009
LanguageEnglish
PublisherOneworld Publications
ISBN9781780740546
SellerSimon & Schuster
About the author(s)
John Strong is Professor and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Bates College in Maine, USA. He has lectured in countries across the world, including Japan and Sri Lanka, and is the respected author of four books and numerous articles on Buddhism.
Reviews
"A most useful and enjoyable read. This volume will be welcomed by scholars and students alike."
"Strong’s book is clearly the best available ‘Guide for Beginners’… But it will be of great interest for veteran Buddhist scholars; and for contemporary Buddhist practitioners as well."
