The Living Thoughts series presents some of the greatest minds the world has ever known. Thinkers, philosophers and other intellectuals are all profiled along with their major works. Ananda K Coomaraswamy and I B Horner together in this volume wonderfully bring out the essence of Buddhism. People throughout the world have been influenced by the Buddha's teachings. This collection brings out in simple language some of the basic tenets of Buddhism. Introducing the readers to the different phases of the Buddha's life, the book shows the development of his thoughts and also interprets his teachings to a larger audience of the modern times. Translated from the Pali texts, this collection will be of immense help in understanding Buddhism as a religion and as a way of life.

Similarly, both Coomaraswamy and Horner also discuss the issues of heresiology, dhamma for the common folk, sacrifices, treatment of animals, and familial and societal responsibilities from Buddha's perspective.

Description: The two most remarkable facts about Buddhism are: it has almost ceased to exist in India-the land of its birth, while claiming about 255 million adherents in other parts of Asia; its founder Siddhartha, more well-known as Gautama Buddha, paid no importance to ceremonies and rituals, did not say a word on the supremacy of one God, yet people flocked to him and became his disciple. Even today its popularity is on the increase. What exactly is this ageless and timeless appeal of Buddhism? A.K. Coomaraswamy and I.B. Horner have given the answer in this book-The Living Thoughts ofGotama The Buddha. Commencing with the life sketch of the great teacher, they take up every aspect of his teaching for clear elucidation. All students of religion, especially those interested in Buddhist studies, shall find this book extremely useful.