Gautama Buddha was born more than 500 years before Christ and, like Christ, left no written record. From the oral tradition of his teachings, which was handed down by his disciples, we know with a high degree of accuracy the general principles which he sought to inculcate. This collection consists of passages from the Vinaya Pitaka, the four great Nikayas, Dhammapada, Itivuttaka, Udana and Sutta Nipata, etc., all based on the teachings of the Buddha.