The theme deals with the religious philosophy of Gauama Buddha who renounced the royal robes and power, became a monk and ultimately founded Buddhism which spread in several regions of India and the neighbouring countries. Buddha travelled widely and his philosophy greatly attracted people who became his ardent disciples. As a result several viharas were inaugurated where the main emphasis was on the life of piety and social service. The chapters thus deal with moksha, Mahayana, discipline and enlightenment, social foundations, moral precepts, four truths and the middle path, missionary life and its concept and Buddhism as an institutional religion.

This work would be useful for teachers, researchers, students and the learned persons, in India and abroad, who are interested in the socio-religious philosophy of Gautama Buddha.

Contents include: Gautama Buddha: Life Sketch; Missionary Life of Buddha; Four Truths and the Middle Path; Bandha; Samvara; Nirjara; Moksha; Stages on the Path; The Moral Precepts; Buddhism and Buddha; Buddhism as an Institutional Religion; Mahayana in the Making; Discipline and Enlightenment; Buddha's Relations with his Disciples; Social Foundations of Early Buddhism; Last Events in Buddha's Life; Nature of Karma; Asrava.

Content - Preface, 1. Gautama Buddha: Life Sketch, 2. Missionary Life of Buddha, 3. Four Truths and the Middle Path, 4. Bandha, 5. Samvara, 6. Nirjara, 7. Moksha, 8. Stages on the Path, 9. The Moral Precepts, 10. Buddhism and Buddha, 11. Buddhism as an Institutional Religion, 12. Mahayana in the Making, 13. Discipline and Enlightenment, 14. Buddha's Relations with his Disciples, 15. Social Foundations of Early Buddhism, 16. Last Events in Buddha's Life, 17. Nature of Karma, 18. Asrava, Appendices, Bibliography,  Index