500 BC BUDDHA, The Word Edited by: Nyanatiloka An outline of the teaching of Buddha. While it may well serve as a first introduction for the beginner, its cheif aim is to give the reader who is already more or less acquainted with the fundamental ideas of Buddhism, a clear, consice, and authentic summary of its various doctrines. Please note: This book is in easy to read true text, not scanned images that can sometimes be difficult to decipher. About the Author: Nyanatiloka Mahathera (February 19, 1878, Wiesbaden, Germany — May 28, 1957, Colombo, Ceylon), born as Anton Gueth, was the first non-British European in modern times to become a Buddhist monk.