Haunting the Buddha

Explore the context behind the formation of Buddhism in this insightful book. Author Robert DeCaroli delves into the societal and political influences that shaped the beliefs and practices of early Buddhist monks and nuns. Drawing on fieldwork, textual evidence, and iconography, DeCaroli reveals how these individuals incorporated beliefs in minor deities and spirits of the dead into their new faith, revolutionizing their approach to spiritual beings. An important contribution to the understanding of early Indian religion and society, this book is a must-read for those interested in Buddhist studies, Asian history, art history, and anthropology.