This incisive new biography charts not only the life of the Buddha in historical terms, but also considers what the life of Siddharta Gautama means to Buddhism as a whole. The art, rituals, beliefs, mythologies and practices of all the Buddhist schools are placed into a new light in this exceptionally authoritative and relevant account of the founder of Buddhism. Using charts, tables and a straightforward approach, this reconstruction of the true meaning and original life of the Buddha, as Buddhists see it, will prove a useful and interesting introduction for all those interested in this area.

• A holistic approach to the life of the Buddha, concentrating not only the historical aspects, but also on its cultural and spiritual relevance;
• Covers all the different schools of Buddhism and their different versions of the Buddha's life