The present book published by Advaita Ashrama, a publication house of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, is a compilation of the recorded lectures and statements of Swami Vivekananda on Buddha and Buddhism. Its perusal will give the reader a fairly comprehensive idea of the unique personality of Buddha, his enlightening message, and the historical development of Buddhism. No one can read it without being struck by the power, range, depth and beauty of Swami Vivekananda's thoughts and his regards for Buddha and His Message.

Around 2500 years ago a thirty-five-year-old man named Siddhartha had a mystical insight under a peepul tree in north-eastern India; in a place now revered as Bodhgaya. Today; more than 300 million people across the globe consider themselves beneficiaries of Gautama Buddha’s insight; and believe that it has irrevocably marked their spiritual commitment and identity. Who was this man who still remains such a vital figure for the modern-day questor? How did he arrive at the realization that ‘suffering alone exists; but none who suffer; the deed there is; but no doer thereof; Nirvana there is; but no one seeking it; the Path there is; but none who travel it’? The Book of Buddha traces the various stages of the spiritual journey undertaken by a man who started out as Siddhartha the Seeker; achieved understanding as Shakyamuni the Sage and attained supremacy as Tathagata the Master—finally reaching transcendence as Jina the Victor when he was transformed into the Buddha and became the Enlightened One. Combining personal insight with a deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy; Arundhathi Subramaniam gives the reader a sensitive and revealing portrait of the Buddha and his role in shaping and transfiguring the course of history. In this passionate and deeply felt rendition of the Buddha’s life she explores his enduring impact; and affirms that though he promised no quick-fix solution to life’s problems; Buddhism has remained truly democratic because it holds out the promise of self-realization for all.

"This landmark collection is the definitive introduction to the Buddha's teachings in his own words. The American scholar monk Bhikkhu Bodhi, whose voluminous translations have won widespread acclaim, here presents selected discourses of the Buddha from the Pali Canon, the earliest record of what the Buddha taught. Divided into ten thematic chapters, In the Buddha's Words reveals the full scope of the Buddha's discourses, from family life and marriage to renunciation and the path of insight. A concise informative introduction precedes each chapter, guiding the reader toward a deeper understanding of the texts that follow." "In the Buddha's Words allows even readers unacquainted with Buddhism to grasp the significance of the Buddha's contributions to our world heritage. Taken as a whole, these texts bear eloquent testimony to the breadth and intelligence of the Buddha's teachings, and point the way to an ancient yet ever vital path. Students and seekers alike will find this systematic presentation indispensable."--BOOK JACKET.

The very idea that the teachings can be mastered will arouse controversy within Buddhist circles. Even so, Ingram insists that enlightenment is an attainable goal, once our fanciful notions of it are stripped away, and we have learned to use meditation as a method for examining reality rather than an opportunity to wallow in self-absorbed mind-noise. Ingram sets out concisely the difference between concentration-based and insight (vipassana) meditation; he provides example practices; and most importantly he presents detailed maps of the states of mind we are likely to encounter, and the stages we must negotiate as we move through clearly-defined cycles of insight. Its easy to feel overawed, at first, by Ingram's assurance and ease in the higher levels of consciousness, but consistently he writes as a down-to-earth and compassionate guide, and to the practitioner willing to commit themselves this is a glittering gift of a book.In this new edition of the bestselling book, the author rearranges, revises and expands upon the original material, as well as adding new sections that bring further clarity to his ideas.

This collection of ‘dharma talks’ from one of the great Buddhist teachers of the 20th-century is a fun, accessible crash course in Theravadan teachings on meditation, mindfulness, and more Ajahn Chah influenced a generation of Western teachers: Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, Sylvia Boorstein, Joseph Goldstein, and many other Western Buddhist teachers were at one time his students. Anyone who has attended a retreat led by one of these teachers, or read one of their books, will be familiar with this master's name and reputation as one of the great Buddhist teachers of this century. Here, Chah offers a thorough exploration of Theravada Buddhism in a gentle, sometimes humorous, style that makes the reader feel as though he or she is being entertained by a story. He emphasizes the path to freedom from emotional and psychological suffering and provides insight into the fact that taking ourselves seriously causes unnecessary hardship.

Side-by-side examples that let you discover the teachings of Jesus and Buddha—and the striking similarities between them. This stunning collection is perfect for those curious about the influential teachers Jesus and Buddha, and their lessons of peace, love, patience, and kindness. Witness as two of the most holy beings meet in a thought-provoking encounter of the spirit. Compare the Bible verse: “Jesus knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone” (John 2.24-25) to the Buddhist scripture: “He was expert in knowing the thoughts and actions of living beings” (Vimalakirtinirdesha Sutra 2). Written by a renowned New Testament scholar and national bestselling author, and with an introduction by Jack Kornfield, Jesus and Buddha is a timeless testament to what makes us similar rather than different. With over 100 examples presented side by side, this is a perfect book for anyone interested in Christianity, Buddhism, mindfulness, meditation, and all ways of seeking enlightenment.

About the life of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha.

Buddha Is Merciless. Nobody Has Ever Opened The Doors Of Reality So Deeply, So Profoundly As He Has Done. He Does Not Allow You Any Childish Desires. He Says: Become More Aware, Become More Conscious, Become More Courageous. Don'T Go On Hiding Behind Beliefs And Masks And Theologies. Take Your Life Into Your Own Hands. Burn Bright Your Inner Light And See Whatever Is. And Once You Have Become Courageous Enough To Accept It, It Is A Benediction. No Belief Is Needed. That Is Buddha'S First Step Towards Reality, To Say That All Belief Systems Are Poisonous; All Belief Systems Are Barriers. Osho Buddha'S Teaching Is A Way Of Life, Not A Way Of Belief. His Teaching Is Very Scientific, Very Empirical, Very Practical. He Is Not A Philosopher, Not A Metaphysician. He Is A Very Down-To-Earth Man. Buddha Says: You Can Change Your Life Beliefs Are Not Needed. In Fact, Beliefs Are The Barriers To Real Change. Start With No Belief, Start With No Metaphysics, Start With No Dogma. Start Absolutely Naked And Nude, With No Theology, No Ideology. Start Empty! That Is The Only Way To Come To Truth. Osho