"Buddha"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the book, "Buddha" by Karen Armstrong and discusses its relationship to the Axial Age, the phrase for the pivotal time in history that Karl Jaspers, the philosopher, coined. The paper begins by describing the Axial Age and its characteristics in various places around the world. It then discusses how Armstrong's references in her book relate to the historical view of the time.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: The Axial Age and its Characteristics
The Axial Age Transformations in Greece, China and Palestine

From the Paper:

"According to Armstrong, all the prophets and sages of the Axial Age discovered, simultaneously, that the way to a higher, transcendent, more fully human life was by looking within and discovering self-existing, self-liberating, inner truths. Common to these spiritual movements, as well, was that 'compassion towards others' would lead to a more meaningful, freer life in this world. It was a pivotal, revolutionary thought that, centuries later, is still at the root of our traditional religions and still presents a challenge, while resonating an inner conviction of its truth."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Armstrong, Karen. Buddha . New York: The Penguin Group, 2001

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