What did the Buddha actually teach? For those seeking an answer to this question and to understand Buddhism as an important part of the world's religious and cultural heritage, Philosophy of the Buddha is an excellent introduction and guide.
The author's purpose is to state the philosophy of Gotama, the man himself, by a careful study of the original records. He cuts through layers of devout and theological speculation--much as higher biblical criticism has done in Christianity--and presents clearly and concisely the real humanly significant roots and permanent values of many aspects of Buddhist thought.
