The Life and Work of Buddhaghosa

Buddhaghosa was one of the most celebrated commentator of the Theravada school of Buddhism. This book attempts to build up a history of his life and labours. In the first chapter an attempt has been made to put together the life history of Buddhaghosa as culled from his own works as well as from Dhammakitti's account recorded in the Mahavamsa. The second chapter deals with the legends which grew around him. The third chapter deals with the origin of Buddhist commentaries as an important branch of Buddhist literature. In the fourth chapter, dealing with the works of Buddhaghosa, a discussion has been put forth ascribing the authorship of the Dhammapada to him. Chapter five deals with the suc- cessors of Buddhaghosa. Chapter six gives an account of the versatile intellect and the encyclopeadic nature of the works of Buddhaghosa. Chapters seven and eight deal with his philosophy and interpretation of Buddhism.