Chapter III, Buddhism, The Silent Sage, Summary and Analysis

As the Buddha went about teaching, he was constantly bombarded by questions, which he subjected to clear and dispassionate analysis. He was not aloof, however, and was so compassionate that his teachings became known as "a religion of infinite compassion" (p. 88). Even at the height of his fame he could be seen with his begging bowl in hand, patiently waiting for whatever food people brought to him. He meditated three times a day in circumstances that most would consider uncomfortably detrimental to meditation. He admitted his temptations and used his weaknesses to show others the fallibility of man. The assemblies that gathered to hear him were not only large, but also incredibly silent. He accepted even the social outcasts into his sangha, or order. There was always an element of mystery...