Argues that the Buddha was one of the most brilliant and original thinkers of all time. This work also argues that we can know far more about the Buddha than it is fashionable among scholars to admit, and that his thought has a greater coherence than is usually recognised.
The book provides an in-depth exploration of Theravada Buddhism, incorporating recent research and addressing controversies regarding the Buddha's date and contemporary issues in Sri Lanka. Gombrich examines the historical legacy of the Buddha's predecessors and the evolving social and religious contexts that have shaped Buddhism over time. He highlights the mutual influence between Buddhism and its social environment, illustrating how this dynamic continues to impact the tradition today.