The present work is designed to consist of a group of organically connected historical studies relating to the origins of Buddhism. It is the doctrinal rather than the institutional aspect of Buddhism that is mainly considered. The subject matter is for the greater part of a literary and religious-philosophic character, but the treatment is intended to be primarily historical.

The whole work attempts to trace the rise and evolution of early Buddhist literature and thought both as an inner cultural process and an external process of actions of individuals and monastic communities.