Life and Work of Buddhaghosa  (Hardcover, Law, B.C.)

Buddhaghosa was the most celebrated commentator of the Theravada school of Buddhism. This book attempts to build up a connected history of his life and labours. In the first chapter an attempt has been made to put together the materials for a life history of Buddhaghosa as called from his own works as well as from Dhamma Kitti’s account recorded in the Mahavamsa. The 2nd chapter deals with the legends which grew around him. The 3rd chapter deasls with the origin of Buddhist commentaries as an important branch of Buddhist literature. In the 4th chapter, dealing with the works of Buddhaghosa, a discussion has been put forth ascribing the authorship of the Dhammapada to him. Chapter 5 deals with the successors of Buddhaghosa. Chapter 6 gives an account of the versatile intellect and the encyclopeadic nature of the works of Buddhaghosa. Chapters 7 and 8 deal with his philosophy and interpretation of Buddhism. The book has 3 illustrations. This book is a reprint of the 1923 edition.