Early Buddhism

Chapter I: Introductory This chapter describes the historical setting of early Buddhism. It discusses the Sakiya clan, the kingdom of Kosala, the language environment of the Buddha’s time, the role of Wanderers, the presence of Hermits, economic conditions, freedom of thought, and the fact that caste had not yet become the rigid system known in later India. Chapter II: Older Beliefs This chapter explains the religious environment before and during the rise of Buddhism. Rhys Davids discusses the decline of older Vedic gods, the presence of animistic beliefs, the soul-theory, local cults, magical practices, sacrifice, polytheism, monism, and dualism. Chapter III: Life of the Buddha This chapter presents the Buddha’s life through early sources rather than later poetic legends. It discusses the absence of a single Buddhist Gospel, the Buddha’s birth, renunciation, teachers, attainment of Nirvāṇa, first discourse, daily life, and death. Chapter IV: The Aryan Path This chapter introduces the main structure of Buddhist practice. It discusses the word Aryan, the first discourse, the origin and cessation of pain, impermanence, right desire, right effort, love, and joy. Chapter V: Lions in the Path This chapter presents obstacles to liberation. It discusses the bonds, the intoxicants, the indeterminates, and the meaning of victory over these hindrances. Chapter VI: Adopted Doctrines This chapter examines doctrines that early Buddhism inherited, reinterpreted, or transformed, including transmigration and karma as a bridge between one life and the next. Chapter VII: Other Adopted Doctrines The final chapter discusses Buddhist cosmology, the wheel of life, and ecstasy, showing how early Buddhism interacted with wider Indian religious ideas while reshaping them according to its own ethical and liberating purpose.