The Historical Buddha: The Times, Life and Teachings of the Founder of Buddhism

The book is organized into eight principal parts. Part I, “Youth, Quest and Enlightenment,” examines the landscape and politics of North India, Siddhattha’s origins and birth, problems of dating, Kapilavatthu, ancient Indian urban life, Vedic sacrificial religion, the religious liberation movement, Siddhattha’s renunciation, ascetic practice, awakening, and the Bodhi tree. Part II treats the foundation of the order and the beginning of the mission, including the first sermons, Sarnath, the growth of the community, and the return to Uruvelā. Part III, “The First Twenty Years,” covers King Bimbisāra, Sāriputta and Moggallāna, Rājagaha, Kosala, Anāthapiṇḍika, the order of nuns, Kosambī, and the second decade of the mission. Part IV discusses the doctrine, the order, the laity, caste, and the sociological structure of Buddhist community. Part V studies Gotama’s psychological aspects, including his appearance, personality, self-understanding, emotional disposition, lay relations, and role as master. Part VI presents the later years, rival philosophies, wandering life, and a decade of crises. Part VII follows the last journeys, great passing, cremation, and Kusinārā. Part VIII addresses the aftermath through councils and canon formation.