This is translation of German work by Prof. Hermann Oldenberg. The original had attracted the attention of European scholars and the name of Olden berg is sufficient guarantee of the value of its contents. The distinguished author has in this work demolished the skeptical theory of a solar Buddha put forward by M. Senart. He has sifted the legendary elements of Buddhist tradition and has given the reliable residuum of facts concerning Buddha's Life. He has gone to the roots of Buddhism in pre-buddhist life.