The Living Buddha: An Interpretive Biography (Soka Gakkai History of Buddhism) - Softcover

Ikeda, Daisaku

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0977924521 ISBN 13: 9780977924523

Publisher: Middleway Press, 2008

Synopsis

An intimate portrayal of one of history's most important and obscure figures, the Buddha, this chronicle reveals him not as a mystic, but a warm and engaged human being that was very much the product of his turbulent times. This biographical account traces the path of Siddhartha Gautama as he walked away from the pleasure palace that had been his home and joined a growing force of wandering monks, ultimately making his way towards enlightenment beneath the bodhi tree, and spending the next 45 years sharing his insights along the banks of the Ganges. The Buddhist canon is expertly harvested to provide insight into the Buddha's inner life and to grant a better understanding of how he came to play his pivotal role as founder of one of the world's largest religions.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

'The Living Buddha' is a biography with a double focus. It is at once a vivid historical narrative based on what is known or can be reasonably surmised about Shakyamuni's life and times, and an inspiring account of a heroic life dedicated to helping all people free themselves from suffering.

About the Author:

Daisaku Ikeda is the author and coauthor of more than 60 books on Buddhism and the founding president and leader of the Soka Gakkai International, one of the largest lay Buddhist organizations in the world. He is the recipient of the United Nations Peace Award, the Rosa Parks Humanitarian Award, and the International Tolerance Award of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. Burton Watson is a translator of Chinese and Japanese literature. His translations include Chuang Tzu, The Lotus Sutra, Ryokan, Saigyo, and The Vimalakirti Sutra. He received the PEN Translation Prize in 1981.

About this edition

• Publisher: Middleway Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0977924521
• ISBN 13: 9780977924523
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 150