Written by one of the world's top scholars in the field of Pali Buddhism, this new and updated edition of How Buddhism Began, discusses various important doctrines and themes in early Buddhism. It takes 'early Buddhism' to be that reflected in the Pali canon, and to some extent assumes that these doctrines reflect the teachings of the Buddha himself. Two themes predominate. Firstly, the author argues that we cannot understand the Buddha unless we understand that he was debating with other religious teachers, notably Brahmins. The other main theme concerns metaphor, allegory and literalism. This accessible, well-written book is mandatory reading for all serious students of Buddhism.

Table of Contents

1. Debate, Skill in Means, Allegory and Literalism 2. How, not What: Kamma as a Reaction to Brahminism 3. Metaphor, Allegory, Satire 4. Retracing an Ancient Debate: how insight worsted concentration in the Pali Canon 5. Who was Angulimala?