In the Footsteps of the Buddha

Most of the Buddha's life was spent on the move. He travelled thousands of kilometres over Northern India and Nepal, forming his philosophy and teaching as he went. This book is a retracing of his journey, from a royal birth at Lumbini to his death as a wandering saint in Kusinagar. The story works on different levels. A lively account of the author's responses to travelling, it is an informative description of the culture and scenery of the regions he passes through. The text is also a recreation of the Buddha's journey in stories of events from his life, and a revelation of the Buddha as a warm and inspirational character. Most importantly though, the story is one of the spiritual voyages of both the Buddha and the author. Marc de Smedt interweaves the words of the present day Buddhists he meets with his won musings on the nature of Buudhism and the meaning of the Buddha's life and message.