The Life of the Buddha (ePub)

This short introduction of the Life of the Buddha, rendered as Part I of a two volume work, was compiled by the Rev. Siri­ Dhamma when he was a novice monk in the Brickfields Buddhist Temple.

After the script had been completed. the Venerable H. Guna­ ratna and Mr. Lim Eng Chuan, went through the details and each gave suggestions and ideas which had since then, been incorporated and used to complete this valuable booklet.

This publication meets a long-felt need for a suitable text­ book for Lower Secondary School standards that deals particularly with the period of earthly existence of the Buddha.

Although the account of the Life in the book is set down very briefly, I believe that this presentation offers a good deal of material for the study of our Great Master's Life.

Teachers of the Dhamma classes in the various Buddhist Sunday Schools and even other religious institutions may elaborate on certain lessons to their satisfaction in -their classes, when this booklet is used as a textbook.

Since the material dealt with is very fundamental and comprises the basic knowledge desired of a junior beginning the study of Buddhism, it is recommended that teacher make sure the students have grasped the principles involved in each topic or lessons by getting the class to answer questions set down at the end of every chapter.

The omission of legend and the absence of accounts of miracles from the compilation is intended to indicate that the contribution of the Buddha to world Happiness and His Supreme Enlightenment, when he was born a man had successfully bridged the gap between man and divinity, is more than enough for anyone who seeks the Truth, to appreciate and accept the Method of the Great Master without having to call on miracles and legends to highlight His life.

As a compensation for the many pages of words and words, there are several good illustrations pertaining to the Life of the Buddha. I believe our young readers will be pleased with these illustrations, as they have been specially selected for the book, having relevant bearing on the period, the custom as well as the dignity of the occasion. for each topic represented.

Many of the illustrations are by courtesy of the Buddhist Informa­ tion Centre, Sri Lanka.

Thanks are due to the Buddhist Missionary Society for undertaking the publication of the two volumes and for meeting the cost of printing.