The Life of Buddha as Legend and History

This scholarly examination of Buddhist traditions offers a comprehensive journey through the foundational stories and historical evidence surrounding Siddhartha Gautama's transformation into the Buddha. Edward Joseph Thomas meticulously traces the spiritual leader's path from royal ancestry through enlightenment to final nirvana, analyzing both legendary accounts and their philosophical underpinnings. The work delves deep into the development of early Buddhist communities, rival philosophical schools, and the twenty-year wandering period that shaped Buddhist teachings. Readers encounter a thorough investigation of how myth and history intertwine in the formation of one of the world's major religious traditions.

What distinguishes this study is its balanced approach to treating Buddhism as both religious tradition and philosophical system, providing thought-provoking analysis without privileging either perspective. The book serves as an invaluable resource for students of comparative religion and anyone seeking to understand how spiritual movements evolve from individual enlightenment to institutional practice. Thomas's scholarly yet accessible treatment makes complex concepts approachable while maintaining academic rigor. This remains an essential volume for comprehending how the Buddha's life narrative continues to shape spiritual practice and philosophical inquiry across cultures.