This scholarly book delves into the first hundred years of Buddhism, focusing on its institutional development. The author explores how Buddhism evolved within both the monastic community and among laypeople, challenging the common belief that it is merely a philosophical system pursued individually towards nirvana. Unlike many works that emphasize doctrinal aspects, this book highlights the fundamental factors that contributed to Buddhism's popularity, such as the authority of its founder, community dynamics, and disciplinary practices within both monastic and lay settings. The conclusion offers a comparative analysis of early Christian developments, providing valuable insights.

Why You Should Read This Book:

• Gain a Fresh Perspective: Understand Buddhism beyond its philosophical doctrines, exploring its institutional and communal dimensions.
• Comprehensive Analysis: Learn about the interplay between monastic and lay communities in shaping Buddhism as a popular religion.
• Comparative Insights: Discover parallels between early Buddhism and Christianity, enriching your knowledge of religious history.
• Valuable for Scholars and Enthusiasts: Ideal for students of religious studies, Asian studies, and history, as well as general readers seeking deeper insights.
• Resourceful Additions: Includes a Bibliography and Index for further research and easy reference.