Life of Buddha and Its Lessons

Olcott's biographic account of The Buddha combines experience and wisdom when introducing his life to a Western audience. While brief, Olcott's examination of the holy prophet's life is as vivid and fresh today as it was when it was published. Widely circulated, this account was responsible for introducing many otherwise knowledgeable scholars to the origins of Buddhism and the principles of the faith. The truth behind Gautama Buddha's early life, the time in which he lived, and the effect he had upon the religious life of India and the Eastern regions is detailed. Olcott first presents a series of facts about the founding sage, and then examines further the principles of the Buddhist religion. The key differences, such as the lack of a God figure and the notion of enlightenment and self-sacrifice as being a path to Nirvana, are noted as contrasting Buddhists to the other major world religions.