The Buddha: A Beginner's Guide

Revealing the man behind the icon.

From his many births to his deathbed deeds, this authoritative biography unites the Buddha of history with the Buddha of legend to reveal his lasting spiritual relevance

There is no one biography of the Buddha. Today he is honoured throughout the world as one of the great religious figures in the history of humankind. His greatness lies in his doctrine, and in the religious community which he founded, but also in his life story, in the tales that were told about him.

Acclaimed scholar John Strong examines not only the historical texts, but also the supernatural accounts that surround this great religious figure, uncovering the roots of many Buddhist beliefs and practices. Accompanied by helpful charts and tables, and drawing on a vast array of primary sources, the text also features such key topics as: biographical accounts from all the Buddhist schools, an analysis of the Buddha’s enlightenment, the life of the Buddha as depicted by Buddhist art and rituals, and the relics of Siddhartha Gautama, and how they continue his story, even after his lifetime.

'Furnishes readers curious about the Buddha with a deep and broad introduction to his many lives.' Booklist

John S. Strong is Charles A. Dana Professor of Religious Studies at Bates College in Maine, USA. He is the author of four other books on Buddhism.