Buddha and His Legacy: From Siddhartha to Zen and Mindfulness

How did an Indian prince become one of the most influential spiritual teachers in human history? And how did his teachings evolve over more than 2,500 years into a world religion followed by hundreds of millions?This book presents the complete history of Buddhism — from Siddhartha's birth in the 5th century BCE to the modern mindfulness movement. It explores the formation of the major Buddhist schools, the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road to China, Japan, and Tibet, and its eventual arrival in the Western world.Thoroughly researched and vividly written, this work makes the fascinating development of one of the world's great religions accessible to every reader. An essential reference for anyone seeking to understand Buddhism in its full historical depth.