The Gospel of Buddha, Compiled from Ancient Records   By: Paul Carus (1852-1919)

The Gospel of Buddha, Compiled from Ancient Records by Paul Carus, offers a valuable exploration of the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical figure who would eventually become known as the Buddha. This comprehensive compilation draws from various texts and tales rooted in ancient Buddhist traditions, presenting a concise and accessible account of the significant events in the Buddha's life.

One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to present these stories in a chronological manner, allowing readers to easily follow the Buddha's spiritual journey. Carus presents a clear picture of the key moments in the Buddha's life, from his privileged upbringing to his profound encounters with suffering, enlightenment, and the establishment of his teachings. By organizing the material in this way, Carus successfully elucidates the transformative moments that shaped the Buddha's thinking and serves as a roadmap for readers to better understand and appreciate his teachings.

Carus does an admirable job of striking a balance between storytelling and exposition. The narrative is engaging, weaving together the historical aspects with mythical elements and moral lessons. The author's intent to convey the essence of the Buddha's teachings is evident throughout, as he provides commentary on various events and anecdotes that helps to elucidate their significance, making complex concepts more accessible to the general reader.

One of the notable aspects of The Gospel of Buddha is its universal appeal. While deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy, Carus manages to extract timeless wisdom that transcends any specific religious beliefs. The themes of compassion, mindfulness, and the pursuit of inner peace resonate deeply with readers from all walks of life, regardless of religious affiliation. By presenting the Buddha's teachings in this manner, the book proves to be relevant and enlightening for both Buddhists and non-Buddhists seeking spiritual guidance.

While some readers may wish for a more in-depth exploration of certain topics, particularly those less familiar with Buddhism, this abridged compilation serves as an excellent introduction to the Buddha's life and principles. It lays a solid foundation upon which readers can further deepen their understanding of Buddhism. Moreover, the book includes an appendix that provides an overview of Buddhist philosophy and offers additional resources for those interested in delving into the subject.

In conclusion, The Gospel of Buddha offers a valuable collection of ancient Buddhist texts and stories. Through Paul Carus's thoughtful compilation and insightful commentary, readers gain an engaging and enlightening glimpse into the life and teachings of the Buddha. This book is recommended for anyone seeking a comprehensive introduction to Buddhism or those simply interested in exploring the universal truths and wisdom it offers.

First Page:

This booklet needs no preface for those who are familiar with the sacred books of Buddhism, which have been made accessible to the Western world by the indefatigable zeal and industry of scholars like Beal, Bigandet, Bühler, Burnouf, Childers, Alexander Csoma, Rhys Davids, Dutoit, Eitel, Fausböll, Foucaux, Francke, Edmund Hardy, Spence Hardy, Hodgson, Charles R. Lanman, F. Max Müller, Karl Eugen Neumann, Oldenberg, Pischel, Schiefner, Senart, Seidenstücker, Bhikkhu Nyânatiloka, D.M. Strong, Henry Clarke Warren, Wassiljew, Weber, Windisch, Winternitz &c. To those not familiar with the subject it may be stated that the bulk of its contents is derived from the old Buddhist canon. Many passages, and indeed the most important ones, are literally copied in translations from the original texts. Some are rendered rather freely in order to make them intelligible to the present generation; others have been rearranged; and still others are abbreviated. Besides the three introductory and the three concluding chapters there are only a few purely original additions, which, however, are neither mere literary embellishments nor deviations from Buddhist doctrines... Continue reading book >>