Author: Nelson, Walter Henry

Over 2,500 years ago, a young Indian prince sacrificed wealth and power for self-knowledge and enlightenment and became the Buddha: "the Awakened One." Yet however extraordinary Prince Siddhartha Gautama was, he was no divinity but a self-perfected human being who brought an empowering message to humankind. This essential introduction for the general reader shows how Siddhartha's story was transformed into one of the world's great religions. Nelson also explores ancient legends surrounding Buddhism's founder, including parables of the intervention of gods in his journey. 224 pp.