The life of the Buddha has always inspired the more contemplative amongst us to explore the possibilities of his teachings. It matters little whether we turn to Chinese, Indian or Tibetan literature to discover these gems for they all have a common source. Scholars have worked over the years to discover these texts and present them to us in a language that may be clearly understood.

Unfortunately the literature available is now so vast that it would compel the true student to devote his entire life to their study and interpretation. Therefore we are fortunate that scholars of great repute have taken the trouble to select the best and compile anthogies such as this. Not only does it provide those of us with less time the opportunity to imbibe the truth as preached by the Lord Buddha but also with an occasion to null over concise passages that hold great meaning.

The thought and teaching of The Buddha presented in plain language to the layman provide him with a platform from which if he so desires he may proceed to greater spiritual heights. Obviously being a translation of a translation many of his thoughts have been moulded according to the concepts and understanding of the translation involved. Still they do not deviate from his essential thought pattern and therefore allow the reader to derive his own meanings from their essence. This being the last instruction that The Buddha gave his closest disciples when he advised them to find their own path and not be guided by the thoughts and ideas of others.

The publishers by providing the readers with this volume have attempted to provide the reader with another source to tap the infinite depth of the great seer teaching.

They have also provided them with another occasion to ruminate over these pearls of wisdom. For as many great thinkers have said 'we all have the potential within us to achieve our spiritual goal'.

The following extracts are taken from one of the books of the East, known as the "Life of the Buddha," by Asvaghosha Boddhisatva, Translated from the Sanskrit into Chinese, by Dharmarakhsha A.D. 420 and from Chinese into English by Samuel Beal, edited by the Oriental Scholar, F. Max Muller. There is no direct translation of this work into English from the Original Sanskrit; therefore, in digging for gems must we bear in mind our limitations.

Acollection of extracts taken from the 'Life of the Buddha' by Asvaghosha Boddhisatva. Each extract is a lession and worthy of deep though and meditation.