Photographs and text explores the impact of Buddhist beliefs and practices which have been part of the fabric of life in Asia since 566 BCE when Siddharta Gautama was born on the Indo-Nepal border. The life of the Buddha, the spread of Buddhism, the roles of monastery and laity, paths to meditation, the sublime language, divine union and the drama of daily life are the subjects explored. The last section describes and illustrates the many Buddhist heritage sites in Asia. With a glossary and a guide to landmarks