The Gospel Of Buddha

The landmark book that introduced Buddhism to the Western World.

First published in 1894, this is the book that first introduced many Westerners to Buddhism; it remains a useful overview of the life and teachings of the Buddha. Carus, an independent philosopher who studied and published on Eastern and Western philosophy, was instrumental in raising Western awareness of Buddhism at the turn of the century. -Library Journal

Carus called himself "an atheist who loved God," and he loved the Buddha too, as this classic 1894 introduction to the joys and wisdom of Buddhism continues to testify more than a century later. A bestseller in its time and still a comfort to spiritual seekers and a handy reference for students of mythology and religion, this is a collection of excepts from the foundational texts of Buddhism arranged, Bible style, in chapter and verse.

Carus explains, in his introduction, that some sections are literal copies of translations of ancient texts; other sections are rendered more freely in modern language; but it is all in aid bringing the Buddha's anti-negativism doctrine to contemporary readers, and to world torn by strife and anger and desperate for relief.

INTRODUCTION.

I. Rejoice II. Samsara and Nirvana III. Truth the Saviour

PRINCE SIDDHATTHA BECOMES BUDDHA.

The Bodhisatta's Birth The Ties of Life The Three Woes . The Bodhisatta's Renunciation King Bimbisara The Bodhisatta's Search Uruvela, the Place of Mortification Mara, the Evil One . Enlightenment The First Converts Brahma's Request

THE FOUNDATION OF THE KINGDOM OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Upaka The Sermon at Benares The Sangha Yasa, the Youth of Benares Kassapa The Sermon at Rajagaha The King's Gift Sariputta and Moggallana . Anathapindika The Sermon on Charity Jetavana The Three Characteristics and the Uncreate The Buddha's Father Yasodhara Rahula

CONSOLIDATION OF THE BUDDHA'S RELIGION.

Jivaka, the Physician The Buddha's Parents Attain Nirvana Women Admitted to the Sangha The Bhikkhus' Conduct Toward Women Visakha The Uposatha and Patimokkha The Schism . The Re-establishment of Concord The Bhikkhus Rebuked Devadatta . Name and Form The Goal Miracles Forbidden The Vanity of Worldliness Secrecy and Publicity The Annihilation of Suffering Avoiding the Ten Evils The Preacher's Mission

THE TEACHER.

The Dhammapada The Two Brahmans L. Guard the Six Quarters LI. Simha's Question Concerning Annihilation All Existence is Spiritual Identity and Non-Identity The Buddha Omnipresent One Essence, One Law, One Aim The Lesson Given to Rahula The Sermon on Abuse The Buddha Replies to the Deva Words of Instruction Amitabha The Teacher Unknown

PARABLES AND STORIES.

Parables The Widow's Two Mites and the Parable of the Three Merchants The Man Born Blind The Lost Son The Giddy Fish The Cruel Crane Outwitted Four Kinds of Merit The Light of the World Luxurious Living The Communication of Bliss The Listless Fool . Rescue in the Desert The Sower The Outcast The Woman at the Well The Peacemaker . The Hungry Dog The Despot Vasavadatta The Marriage-Feast in Jambunada . A Party in Search of a Thief In the Realm of Yamaraja The Mustard Seed Following the Master Over the Stream The Sick Bhikkhu The Patient Elephant

THE LAST DAYS.

The Conditions of Welfare Sariputta's Faith Pataliputta The Mirror of Truth Ambapali The Buddha's Farewell Address The Buddha Announces His Death Chunda, the Smith Metteyya . The Buddha's Final Entering Into Nirvana

The Three Personalities of the Buddha The Purpose of Being C. The Praise of All the Buddhas