Chapter 2: Buddhism Summary and Analysis

Buddhism is known as the Light of Asia. Buddhism first emerged 2,600 years ago in ancient India. It has had vast influence on the imaginations, morals and sensibility of the diverse populations of Asia. Siddhartha Gotama is credited as the originator of the religion. He was known as Buddha or the Awakened One. He taught the Dharma, also known as the Way of Truth.

The Instructive Legends of the Buddha's Life

Buddha's father was Shuddhodana, a king of the Shakyas. The prince, Buddha, came out of his mother's side and caused her no pain. He was born with full awareness and referred to his birth as an event that would lead to the betterment of all men. The great seer, Asita, came to see him and predicted that Buddha would reform the greedy with the teachings of the Dharma. Buddha...