In Gautama the Buddha we have a master-mind from the East...

[Sakya kim]

1) Could you paraphrase the following passage?
2) In this context, what does the phrase 'second to none' modify?
3) How should I understand the underlined clause in this context?

The context:
In Gautama the Buddha we have a master-mind from the East second to none so far as the influence on the thought and life of the human race is concerned, and, [the master-mind is] sacred to all as the founder of a religious tradition whose hold is hardly less wide and deep than any other.

Source: P. 9 Buddhism in a Nutshell BY NARADA THERA

 

[Tarheel]

Gautama the Buddha - second to none

 

[jutfrank]

1) Gautama the Buddha has influenced the thought and life of the human race more than anyone else.
2) It complements (not modifies) Gautama the Buddha.
3) The Buddha was from the East (India to be precise). He can be described as a 'master-mind'.