The Gospel of Buddha

What it is

This book, compiled by Paul Carus and first published in 1915, gathers passages from ancient Buddhist scriptures into a retelling of the Buddha's life and teachings. It was meant to introduce Western readers to Buddhism using translations by various scholars of the time.

Why it matters

This work is not an original ancient text but a modern arrangement meant to make Buddhist teachings accessible to readers unfamiliar with the original sources. It reflects how, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Western scholars worked to translate and popularize Eastern religious traditions. Paul Carus's compilation shows both an appreciation of Buddhism and the challenges of translating and adapting ancient ideas for new audiences.

Look closer

• Why might Carus have chosen to combine different texts rather than translate one in full?
• What does this book's creation tell you about Western interest in Buddhism at the time?
• How might retellings like this change the way readers understand the Buddha's original teachings?