The Life and Taechings of the Buddha

The purpose of this book is to
provide a comprehensive, reliable, clear, well-arranged guide to the life and
teachings of the Buddha, as preserved
in the Pāḷi scriptures of Theravādin Buddhism. 
These scriptures are the most authentic record of these teachings that
have come down to us, inasmuch as they come directly from the Buddha Himself or from His direct
disciples.  They provide both the
clearest account of the Buddha’s true
teachings and a valuable record of the early history of Buddhism.

Beliefs and practices which were
not part of the earliest form of Buddhism but which arose at later dates have
been purposely excluded from this book, or, if they are discussed at all, are
identified as later developments.  An
attempt has also been made to separate fact from fiction by stripping away the
many legendary tales that have inevitably grown around the birth, life, and
person of the Buddha.  On the other hand, the cultural environment
in which the Buddha lived and taught
is so entwined with the conceptual, ethical, and philosophical dimensions of
early Buddhist literature that it would be foolish to ignore it.  Indeed, including the cultural elements
serves to enhance our appreciation of the challenges faced by the Buddha in spreading His teachings.  Though the cultural environment has changed
dramatically over the centuries since the time of the Buddha, the challenges of spreading the Dhamma in contemporary society are no less formidable.  That said, the universality of the Buddha’s message is timeless and transcends
cultures.