In this seminal work, T.W. Rhys Davids explores the history and origins of Indian Buddhism, tracing its evolution from the ancient Vedic texts to the modern world. Drawing on a wealth of historical and archaeological evidence, Rhys Davids provides a comprehensive overview of the major themes and doctrines of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the nature of enlightenment. Whether you are a student of religion or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating subject, this book is an indispensable guide to the history of Indian Buddhism. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.