The Chishtis, a Living Light

More than 2,500 years ago, an Indian prince achieved enlightenment and became the Buddha, "the Awakened One". However extraordinary he was, he was no divinity, but a self-perfected human being, one who brought a radical message to mankind. Walter Nelson shows why the Buddha and his teaching remain of vital importance to all who search beyond materialism for a goal in life, and for a way towards attaining that goal.In our modern world we are as drowned in ready answers as we are starved of real questions. Yet many recognise the horror of living mainly to work more, so as to earn more in order to spend more; it is to such people that this book is offered. Unlike academic books written for Buddhist scholars, Nelson's uniquely accessible and authoritative life of Buddha and his teaching is an essential, gripping and inspiring introduction for the general reader.Buddhism itself developed into many forms since Gautama Buddha died almost 500 years before the birth of the Christ. Since then, supernatural accretions have transformed a simple if profound story of one man's struggle into an elaborate if beautiful religious myth. Ancient legends, many included here, are meant to inspire devotion, but the modern reader of course does not need to accept them as literally true. This book recounts the thrilling story of a prince who renounced worldly luxury to find the way to self-perfection; in these pages, the light of the compassionate Buddha shines as brightly as ever. A helpful glossary, explaining foreign terms, as well as extensive bibliography are essential aids.