Basing his book on the original Pali texts, which are universally accepted by scholars as the earliest extant records, the author - himself a Buddhist monk and scholar - has written, a direct, lucid, and faithful account of the Buddha's teachings. He removes a number of current misconceptions about Buddhism, and suggests how this philosophy can contribute to make modern life more meaningful. Its sixteen illustrations, bibliography, glossary, and index make this incisive volume perhaps the best guide to understanding Buddhism for the Western reader.