A Simple History of Ancient India by Four Authors เป็นหนังสือประวัติศาสตร์อินเดียเก่าๆ พิมพ์ปี ค.ศ. 1982 ซึ่งผู้เขียนพามาหลายปีแล้ว ในหน้า 169 -170 มีข้อสรุปความเห็นถึงการเกิดขึ้นและล่มสลายของพระพุทธศาสนาในอินเดีย จึงคัดลอกมาไว้ในบันทึกนี้ เพื่อเป็นข้อระลึกบางอย่าง

Causes of its Rise

1. Lord Buddha lived and ideal life which attracted others.
2. The new faith was based on reason.
3. It was given to the people at the most appropriate time.
4. Its teachings were very simple and could easily be followed.
5. The teachings were couched in very simple language.
6. It laid stress on character.
7. The religion could get royal support.
8. Organisation of Sangha helped in its popularity.
9. It believed in the principle of equality.
10. Its democratic organisation also contributed much to its popularity.
11. It was opposed to animal sacrifice.
12. Buddhist Councils also had their effects.
13. In Buddhist Viharas free education was given.
14. Buddhist literature also had good influence.
15. There were no opponents to this religion.
16. This religion had much adaptability.

causes of its Downfall

1. Hindu religion revived itself after setbacks.
2. It lost royal support after some time.
3. Character of Bhishus had considerably degraded.
4. Introduction of women in Viharas had evil effects.
5. Idol worship became quite common.
6. Division of Buddhism into two branches adversely affected its spread.
7. With the passage of time many opponents came to challenge it.
8. Assimilative power of Hinduism also gave it a set back.
9. Buddhist philosophy of Ahimsa failed to face foreign aggressions.
10. Rajputs did not favour the new religion.
11. It lacked great personalities to propagate it.

ข้อคิดเห็นเหล่านี้ อาจสะท้อนปรากฎการณ์ของพระพุทธศาสนาในเมืองไทยได้บ้าง..