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For the past two thousand years and more the figure of Gautama, the Buddha has attracted hagiographers and legend-makers whose output has for the most part left readers with a sense of dissatisfaction and frustration. On the other hand, there has been a flood of arcane scholarship on particular aspects of the Buddha's life, times, and teaching which has left the discriminating general reader unmoved. For him this biography, based on very extensive reading and written with rare elegance, delicacy, and verve will serve as an exhilarating breath of fresh air. Rather than treating Gautama as an isolated and prodigious phenomenon, the author views his life in the context of the important, eventfu...
A "reverential and revealing" biography of Siddhartha, the ancient Indian spiritual teacher upon whose teachings Buddhism was founded ( Kirkus Reviews). The legendary story of Gautama Buddha, told by Betty Kelen in this riveting book, captures the essence of both a man and a spirit. His teachings, characterized by a mystical eastern folklore and an inspirational wisdom, have never been matched by anyone else in history. They are marked by determination and a quest for the sacred, and led him to an enlightenment that shaped the foundation of many Eastern civilizations.
Gautama's ideas went against the established beliefs of centuries. His teachings did not rely on the idea of a Supreme God or gods who could rescue humanity from its sorrows; instead he believed that nirvana lay within each person; and could be achieved by following the right path. Even though he was one of the most influential men who ever walked the earth; very little is known about the life of Siddhartha Gautama; the man we call the Buddha. His teachings were followed for 1;500 years in India; and became the guiding principles of life for both rich and poor; high born and lower caste. Today; the religion he founded is followed all over the world.Here is the fascinating story of his life-from his youth as a privileged prince to his renunciation and attainment of nirvana; how his teachings changed all those who came in contact with him; and the story of the tumultuous lives of people and kingdoms in ancient India.
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There are many accounts of the Buddha's life that mix legend and history. This compelling new biography discriminates between fact and fiction to reveal Gautama, the remarkable human being behind the legends, and shed new light on his teachings. Plunging us into the noise, smells and jostling streets of Gautama's world, Vishvapani Blomfield brings the Buddha to life as a passionate and determined individual — a strikingly modern figure who rejected contemporary beliefs and found his own answers by mastering his mind. Even after he gained Enlightenment and became the Buddha ('the Awakened One') Gautama experienced struggles as well as triumphs as he trod India's dusty paths. Vishvapani shows how he sought to establish a community of practitioners amid his society's divided culture and perilous politics and how the ideas that became the Buddhist teachings grew from Gautama's efforts to address the needs and beliefs of his listeners. Drawing on years of meticulous research into original sources, Gautama Buddha takes us within touching distance of one of history's greatest figures.
Presents the story of Gautama the Buddha primarily based on the Pali sources. This work includes two chapters on the Dhamma, and the Sangha.
Siddhartha Gautama was born to an Indian king and later changed Indian culture through his beliefs. This inspiring biography allows readers to explore the incredible life of Siddartha Gautama and learn how he later became known as The Buddha. Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path are discussed through captivating facts and sidebars, interesting images and photos, and supportive text. An accommodating index and glossary aid in the better understanding of the content and vocabulary. Through the easy-to-read text, readers will also learn about the Indian caste system, Buddhist monks, and how people believe the state of nirvana can be reached.
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