The Early Buddhist Theory of Man Perfected

The Early Buddhist Theory of Man Perfected by Isaline Blew Horner is a scholarly examination of the Buddhist ideal of human perfection as articulated in early Pali texts. Horner traces the evolution of the term arahant from its Vedic roots to its central role in Buddhist soteriology, revealing how the Buddha transformed it into a path of attainable liberation. The book analyzes the Eightfold Path, ethical conduct, meditation, and right understanding as essential components of this transformation, grounding its insights in direct engagement with canonical sources.

A foundational text for students of Buddhist philosophy, this 1936 work offers a precise, historically grounded interpretation of spiritual maturity in early Buddhism. Published by Kessinger Publishing as a faithful facsimile, it preserves the original language and structure of Horner’s influential study, making this rare volume accessible to modern readers seeking authentic engagement with Buddhist thought.