Description
Edward Joseph Thomas’s “The Life Of Buddha: As Legend And History” stands as one of the most rigorous scholarly examinations of Siddhartha Gautama’s life ever written. Unlike devotional biographies, Thomas meticulously separates historical facts from later legendary accretions, drawing on Pali and Sanskrit sources to reconstruct what we can genuinely know about the Buddha. This fourth edition from Motilal Banarsidass presents Thomas’s groundbreaking methodology—comparing early Buddhist texts, archaeological evidence, and Indian historical records to trace the actual person behind the spiritual icon. Perfect for serious students of Buddhism, historians of religion, and anyone seeking an intellectually honest account rather than hagiography. Thomas doesn’t diminish the Buddha’s significance; instead, he reveals how legend and history intertwine to create one of humanity’s most influential figures. A must-have for academic libraries and thoughtful readers who want to understand Buddhism’s foundations through critical scholarship rather than blind faith.
- Publisher : Motilal Banarsidass; Fourth edition (1 January 2017)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 321 pages
- ISBN-10 : 812080984X
- ISBN-13 : 978-8120809840
- Item Weight : 476 g
- Dimensions : 15.88 x 2.54 x 22.86 cm
- Country of Origin : India
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the author of The Life Of Buddha: As Legend And History?
The book is written by Edward Joseph Thomas, a distinguished Pali scholar and historian of Indian religions. Thomas was known for his critical, scholarly approach to Buddhist texts and his ability to distinguish historical facts from later legendary additions in Buddhist literature.
Is this book a religious text or a historical study of Buddha?
This is primarily a historical and scholarly study, not a devotional text. Edward Joseph Thomas uses critical methodology to separate historical facts about Buddha’s life from legendary elements that developed later. It’s ideal for readers seeking an academic, evidence-based account rather than a faith-based biography.
Where can I buy The Life Of Buddha by Edward Thomas online in India?
You can buy The Life Of Buddha: As Legend And History by Edward Joseph Thomas at The Bookish Owl (thebookishowl.in) for ₹550. This is the fourth edition published by Motilal Banarsidass, a trusted publisher of scholarly works on Indian philosophy and Buddhism.
What makes this Buddha biography different from other books on Buddha’s life?
Thomas’s approach is uniquely scholarly—he meticulously examines Pali and Sanskrit sources, archaeological evidence, and historical records to determine what can actually be known about the historical Buddha. Rather than retelling legends as facts, he distinguishes between verifiable history and later mythological additions, making this essential reading for serious students of Buddhism.
Is The Life Of Buddha: As Legend And History suitable for beginners in Buddhism?
This book is best suited for readers with some background in Buddhism or those interested in academic religious studies. While comprehensive and authoritative, it’s written as a scholarly work rather than an introductory text. Beginners seeking inspiration might prefer devotional biographies, but those wanting rigorous historical analysis will find this invaluable.
