The Life or Legend of Gaudama the Buddha of the Burmese (Volume II)

In this second volume Bigandet traces the Buddha’s ongoing efforts to teach the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) to a wide range of disciples from kings and nobles to commoners and ascetics. The volume describes the establishment of key Buddhist doctrines and the formalization of monastic rules laying the foundation for the Buddhist community to thrive long after the Buddha’s death. It explores notable events such as the Buddha’s final travels his passing into Parinirvana (final enlightenment) and the immediate aftermath as his followers begin to preserve and disseminate his teachings. Bigandet also includes detailed discussions on Buddhist cosmology metaphysics and ethics further enriching Western readers'' understanding of Theravada Buddhism particularly as practiced in Burma. Volume II continues to serve as an invaluable resource for those interested in the history of Buddhism and its cultural transmission across Southeast Asia offering deep insights into the spiritual philosophical and social dimensions of the tradition.