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(Published by Weatherhill, 1995)
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Republished by Middleway Press in the U.S. in 2008, this biographical account of Shakyamuni weaves together what is known and what can be surmised about his life and times. The author draws on the Buddhist canon for its narratives to provide insights into this historic figure who dedicated his life to helping all people free themselves from suffering.
Shakyamuni, known historically as the Buddha, was said to have attained enlightenment about the essential nature of life and then went on to teach others. Ikeda's rendering shows Shakyamuni as not a mystic but a warm and engaged human being who was very much a product of his turbulent times. His was an exemplary life in transcending much the same kinds of circumstances we face in our own times of rapid change.
The author provides insights that reveal the struggles of Shakyamuni as not only accessible but those commonly felt by all humanity. Describing Shakyamuni’s hesitation to preach the enlightenment he had attained, Ikeda writes: “The enlightened man has sufferings known only to himself, for he alone is aware of the wisdom he has achieved. All the great pioneers and teachers in history have experienced this problem . . . But when once he rises up in determination, then the world of truth that is within himself will be transmitted to the rest of the men of the world in a form that is capable of awakening a universal response within them as well. Only then will his sense of loneliness be dispelled.”
These insights derive as much from Ikeda’s interpretive view as from the extensive sources he cites. A follower of the teachings of 13th-century Buddhist reformer Nichiren, Ikeda places emphasis on the purpose of Shakyamuni’s existence and the aim of Buddhism.
Translated by Burton Watson, The Living Buddha is an important contribution to writings on Shakyamuni and his legacy, and a perceptive introduction to the founder of one of the world's major religions.
The Living Buddha is also available in Japanese, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Indonesian, Swedish, Portuguese, Danish, Russian, Chinese (traditional and simplified versions), Thai, Vietnamese, Serbian, Sinhalese and Greek.
CONTENTS
Preface to the English Edition by Daisaku Ikeda
Translator’s Note
- The Young Shakyamuni
Shakyamuni
Shakyamuni’s Names
The Shakya Tribe
The Historical Setting
Shakyamuni’s Family
Shakyamuni’s Early Years
- The Great Departure
The Ascetic and Indian Society
The Departure and Wanderings
The Rise of a New Culture
The Six Non-Buddhist Teachers
- The Years of Austerities
The Encounter with King Bimbisara
The Two Brahman Hermits
The Practice of Austerities
The Rejection of Austerities
- The Enlightenment
Buddhagaya
The Temptation of Mara
What Is Enlightenment?
The Content of Shakyamuni’s Enlightenment
The Law of Causation
- Shakyamuni the Teacher
The Decision To Propagate the Law
Turning the Wheel of the Law
Shakyamuni’s Disciples
Preaching at Uruvela
- The Company of Disciples
Shariputra and Maudgalyayana
Mahakashyapa
Sudatta
Shakyamuni’s Visit to Kapilavastu
Ananda
Upali and Aniruddha
- The Growth of the Order
The Other Major Disciples
The City of Shravasti
Management of the Order
Devadatta’s Revolt
- The Entry into Nirvana
The Sad Events of Shakyamuni’s Closing Years
The Last Journey
Chunda the Blacksmith
Parinirvana
Glossary
Index
