Early Buddhism and Laity

Contents: Foreword. Preface. Abbreviations. Introduction. 1. The development of early Buddhism and origin of doctrine. 2. Beginning of the Buddha\'s mission of conversion, monasticism and foundation of the Buddhist-Samgha. 3. The laities and their contribution for furtherance of early Buddhism. 4. The royal and state patrons. 5. Concluding observations. Appendixes: i. Prominent lay householder devotees and recluses. ii. Some salient feature of Asokan edicts. Bibliography. Illustrations. Index. Addenda et corrigenda.

"This book has tried to study systematically Buddhist religion from its inception till it became a vibrant religious faith in early years and as thousands of men and women became the disciples of Buddha, due to novelty of this religion and his skill of oration and discourses also influenced by towering personality of the Buddha.

The laities also played a significant role to establish this young religion on solid footings. They liberally donated money, alms, food, medicines and all other necessities for the monks and nuns and helped to establish the monasteries for their living. This book meticulously describes various pious deeds of the laities and specially ruling monarch\'s patronization of this religion. In this respect, author traced the role of royal patronization up to the time of Emperor Asoka, the greatest and generous Buddhist king of all the time." (jacket)