Tuesday, October 21st, 2:30-4:00 PM EST.
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Like Jesus and Muhammad, the Buddha is one of the most significant figures in history. But is he a historical figure? In this lecture, leading Buddhism scholar Dr. Donald S. Lopez Jr. will discuss his new book, The Buddha: Biography of a Myth, which explores this question and considers what is at stake in the answer. Using stories of the Buddha’s life—drawn from the earliest biographies, the work of other scholars, and Dr. Lopez's own research - he will seek to "remythologize" the Buddha and reflect on some enduring questions in the study of Buddhism.
About Dr. Donald S. Lopez Jr.:
Dr. Donald S. Lopez Jr. is Arthur E. Link Distinguished University Professor of Buddhist and Tibetan Studies at the University of Michigan. He is the author or editor of many books, including Buddhism: A Journey through History; The Scientific Buddha: His Short and Happy Life; and The Story of Buddhism. Lopez lives in New York City.
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"A deeply learned, provocative investigation into history and myth." -- Kirkus Reviews
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"In The Buddha: Biography of a Myth, Donald Lopez expertly retells one of the greatest religious stories of all time: the life story of the Buddha. Highly personal and imaginative, yet also thoroughly grounded in authoritative classical sources, Lopez's book uses the story as a gateway to reflect on enduring issues in the study of Buddhism, including the question of whether or not the Buddha was a historical person. A highly stimulating and enjoyable read." -- Reiko Ohnuma, Dartmouth College
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"The liveliest writer on all matters Buddhist, Lopez travels through the conflicting biographical accounts to arrive at the enigma of the Gautama Buddha's uncertain historical existence. Full of things one probably doesn't know, wonderfully written, this book is an illumination." -- Eliot Weinberger, author of The Life of Tu Fu
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"Among the many biographies of the Buddha that have appeared over the last century and a half, this one by Donald Lopez clearly stands out: Brilliantly written and original in its approach, it is much more than just 'another life of the Buddha,' and will be of interest to specialist scholars and general readers alike." -- John S. Strong, Bates College
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