The Buddha and the Land on which He Trod

The book is organized into five main chapters. Chapter 1, “Main Events in the Life of the Buddha,” presents the Buddha’s biography from the Sakyan background, conception, birth, childhood, education, marriage, four encounters, renunciation, spiritual search, enlightenment, teaching career, and final passing away. Chapter 2, “His Teachings,” explains the doctrinal core of Buddhism, including the basic teachings, the three cornerstones of Buddhist philosophy, and glimpses of Nibbāna from Pāli texts. Chapter 3, “The Buddha’s Person and Personality,” gathers references from the Saṃyutta Nikāya, Dīgha Nikāya, Majjhima Nikāya, and Aṅguttara Nikāya to portray the Buddha as a teacher, guide, and exemplary spiritual personality. Chapter 4, “Interesting Episodes,” presents selected incidents from the Buddha’s life, including his illness, a day devoted to stitching robes, the deprivation of a meal by Māra, the training of Culla-panthaka, a striking method of teaching, the elevation of Rūpanandā Therī to arahantship, the Buddha nursing a sick monk, and occasions when the Buddha smiled. Chapter 5, “Notes on Places of Interest to Pilgrims Visiting Buddhist India,” identifies and explains important sacred sites connected with the Buddha’s life and ministry.