Published as a part of the series by VRI on 'Reviving the Original Teachings of the Buddha', this book aims to dispel misconceptions about the Buddha and to re-introduce his original teachings in India and around the world.

In the last 2600 years, the original teachings of the Buddha were totally lost in India, giving rise to a lot of misconceptions about this great benefactor of humanity and his teachings. As VRI undertook the monumental task of publishing the Pali Canon (the original teachings of the Buddha) in Devnagari and other scripts from an authenticated source, the truth about the universal, rational, non-sectarian teachings of the Buddha was revealed.

Buddha is often regarded as an atheist. This book explores the meaning of the word 'atheist' which was prevalent at the time of the Buddha and before him. It also covers different kinds of criticism the Buddha faced throughout his life and if being an atheist was one of them, by illustrating the belief systems which were predominant at that time and the interaction of the Buddha with various critics of his teachings and followers of other spiritual leaders.

This book is ideal for Vipassana meditators as well as non-meditators.