Encyclopaedia of Buddhism: A World Faith, Volume 10: Buddha's Myths and Legends

The introductory chapter defines mythology as the study of narratives through which communities interpret the world, natural phenomena, religious beliefs, and cultural memory. It emphasizes that myths need not be understood as literal historical accounts; rather, they are symbolic narratives whose importance lies in their religious and cultural functions. The chapter discusses the relation between myth, history, belief, ritual, symbolism, and philosophy, and then situates Buddhist mythology within the broader Indian religious environment. 

The discussion ranges widely across Vedic mythology, Parjanya, Buddha Pūrṇimā, Hindu-Buddhist philosophical interaction, Purāṇic and Tantric religion, Yoga, the Buddha’s teaching, nuclear-age ethical concerns, the eighty-four Siddhas and Nāthas, Nāthism, Sahajayāna, Kalacakrayāna, and Nāgārjuna. The life of Siddhārtha Gautama is subsequently retold in legendary form, covering his royal youth, renunciation, ascetic practice, enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree, confrontation with Māra, proclamation of the Four Noble Truths, and emergence as the Buddha.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction

2. Myths Illuminate Dialectic and Myth

3. Legend, Myths & Folklore

4. Living Power Behind Symbol Transformation of Symbol Into Consciousness

5. Every Religion Has Distinct Mythology

6. A Revolutionary Concept of Socio-Spiritual Engineering

7. The Pathless Path to Truth

8. Siddhartha to Buddha

9. Creation of Universe Space and Time

10. Shambhala: A Mythical Land

11. The Jataka Legend: Some Reflections

12. Appraisal & Sum Up

• Bibliography

• Index