No man has had a greater inflience on the spiritual development of his people than Siddartha Gautama. Born in India in the sixth century BC into a nation hungry for spiritual experience, he developed a religious and moral teaching that, to this day, brings comfort and peace to all who practise it. This comprehensive biography examines the social, religious and political conditions that gave rise to Buddhism as we now know it.

Composed entirely of texts from the Pali canon, this unique biography presents the oldest authentic record of the Buddha’s life and revolutionary philosophy. The ancient texts are rendered here in a language marked by lucidity and dignity, and a framework of narrators and voices connect the canonical texts. Vivid recollections of his personal attendant Ananda and other disciples bring the reader into the Buddha’s presence, where his example offers profound inspiration and guidance on the path to freedom.

Among the numerous lives of the Buddha, this volume may well claim a place of its own. Composed entirely from texts of the Pali Canon, the oldest authentic record, it portrays an image of the Buddha which is vivid, warm, and moving. Chapters on the Buddha's personality and doctrine are especially illuminating, and the translation is marked by lucidity and dignity throughout.

Siddhartha Gautama lived 2,500 years ago, but the effects of his life are still shaping the world today. The son of a king, he left a world of wealth and privilege to seek a better life—and he found it in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. After he had found what he was seeking, he did not retire to a quiet place where he could spend all his time in meditation. Instead, he devoted himself to sharing what he had discovered with others. His followers grew over the years, and during the centuries that have followed his death, his teachings have spread around the globe. Today, Siddhartha Gautama is known by countless millions as the Buddha. His wisdom and compassion are legendary, and many have followed the path that he identified, hoping to reach enlightenment as he did.

“In the full bloom of spring, in a beautiful garden, in a place called Lumbini, a prince was born.” So begins the extraordinary story of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the prince who would become the enlightened Buddha, the Awakened One. This classic tale follows Prince Siddhartha’s journey of truth-seeking and discovery, including his life-altering encounters with human suffering and his realization of the Four Noble Truths. Today, millions of people all over the world follow the Buddha’s teachings on meditation, selflessness, and compassion. Rendered here in exquisite original watercolor illustrations, this inspiring story is brought to life for young readers curious about one of history’s most monumental and influential figures.

The words and example of Gautama (often known by the title, "Buddha") have affected billions of people. But what do we really know about him? While there is much we cannot say for certain about the historical Gautama, this persuasive new biography provides the fullest and most plausible account yet. Weaving ancient sources and modern understanding into a compelling narrative, Gautama Buddha places his birth around 484 BCE, his Enlightenment in 449 BCE and his death in 404 BCE, a century later than the traditional dates. Vishvapani Blomfield examines Gautama's words and impact to shed fresh light on his culture, his spiritual search and the experiences and teachings that led his followers, to call him "The Awakened One." Placing Gautama in a credible historical setting without assuming that he was really just an ordinary person, this book draws on the myths and legends that surround him to illuminate the significance of his life. It traces Gautama's investigations of consciousness, his strikingly original view of life and his development of new forms of religious community and practice. This insightful and thought-provoking biography will appeal to anyone interested in history and religion, and in the Buddha as a thinker, spiritual teacher and a seminal cultural figure. Gautama Buddha is a gripping account of one of history's most powerful personalities.

What is the secret of Buddha’s hold on the mind and imagination of vast numbers of Asiatic humanity over two millenniums? What should one think when on the one hand Buddhism tells us that life is suffering and on the other we are told to enjoy life’s every moment?The Life and Times of Gautam Buddha seeks to answer these questions. It brings together the leading ideas and tenets of Buddhism; interpreting them in the light of the fundamental principles of human life as well as of the latest research in the science of human mind.The book takes reader through the life of Siddhartha Gautam in a manner of a mortal hero and establishes basis for his eventual enlightenment and observations. It describes his protected royal youth; search for a way to end suffering and his enlightenment. The book also takes up the core teachings one by one—the Four Noble Truths; the Noble Eightfold Path and the Six-sense media. The book brings together teachings of the Buddha ranging from basic ethical observances recommended to the busy man or woman of the modern world.What is the secret of Buddha’s hold on the mind and imagination of vast numbers of Asiatic humanity over two millenniums? What should one think when on the one hand Buddhism tells us that life is suffering and on the other we are told to enjoy life’s every moment?The Life and Times of Gautam Buddha seeks to answer these questions. It brings together the leading ideas and tenets of Buddhism; interpreting them in the light of the fundamental principles of human life as well as of the latest research in the science of human mind.The book takes reader through the life of Siddhartha Gautam in a manner of a mortal hero and establishes basis for his eventual enlightenment and observations. It describes his protected royal youth; search for a way to end suffering and his enlightenment. The book also takes up the core teachings one by one—the Four Noble Truths; the Noble Eightfold Path and the Six-sense media. The book brings together teachings of the Buddha ranging from basic ethical observances recommended to the busy man or woman of the modern world. Biography of Gautam Buddha by Arun K. Tiwari: This biography provides a biographical account of the life of Gautam Buddha, the Indian sage and founder of Buddhism. With its focus on Indian spirituality and philosophy, "Biography of Gautam Buddha" is a must-read for anyone interested in the legacy of Indian spiritual leaders. Key Aspects of the Book "Biography of Gautam Buddha": Indian Spirituality and Philosophy: The book offers insights into Indian spirituality and philosophy, showcasing the unique contributions of Gautam Buddha to the development of Indian thought. Buddhism: The book focuses on the principles and teachings of Buddhism, the religion founded by Gautam Buddha. Inspiration and Motivation: The book provides a range of inspiring stories and anecdotes, showcasing the power of spiritual wisdom and philosophical insight in transforming lives. Arun K. Tiwari is an author and spiritual educator who has written extensively on Indian philosophy and spirituality. "Biography of Gautam Buddha" is one of his popular works.

This interdisciplinary collection of essays explores the biographical genre of the Buddhist traditions of South and Southeast Asia. Scholars in the history of religions, anthropology, literature and art history present a broad range of explorations into sacred biography as an interpretive genre. Easch essay makes unique contributions and the collection as a whole engages methodological and interpretive approaches that are central to scholars of Buddhism and those specializing in the study of south and Southeast Asia.

Back in the sixth century BCE: Polytheism has become dominant - people caught in ignorant pursuit of selfish desires - priests performing false rituals - leading people astray - Dharma is forgotten - Will a Buddha arise? - A Buddha has to arise - he will restore the Dharma - countless beings would be saved from suffering... A new biography of Gautama Buddha that challenges all his existing biographies. Not out of the world, but largely compiled from authentic works based on the ancient Pali texts. All in all, a sincere effort on the part of the author to bring the historical Buddha alive to the people of the present generation. Come and discover the Buddha in a new light, transmitting his wisdom to this world of unrest.