The Historical Buddha: The Times life and Teachings of the founder of Buddhism

No man has had a greater influence 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 practice it.

Having immersed himself in the asceticism and self-deprivation prevalent among religious teachers, he saw that spiritual emancipation could be achieved only through the mind. His eightfold path for right living is a means to liberation from suffering and forms the basis of Buddhist humanism.

This comprehensive biography examines the social, religious and political conditions that gave rise to Buddhism as we now know it. It explores the spiritual traditions from which the Buddha broke away and places his teachings and influence in a throughly researched historical context.

Review(s)

....written in simple language that makes it easy for even a lay reader to comprehend the Buddha's Doctrine. The Buddha according to Schumann, who relies heavily on the Pali Cannon, "is viewed no longer as certain holy man floating in the air ... but as a worldy-wise organizer who knew how to exploit political situations with tactical skill." Certain myths are also cleared, as for example, the fact that behind all sukkha is linked dukkha did not strike him just before he adopted the homeless life as legend has it.

The book and its few illustrations is a comprehensive biography examining the social, religious and political conditions that gave rise to Buddhism. -The Afternoon, Mumbai