Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment (HARDCOVER) [Import] [Paperback]

Deepak (Author); Chopra (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2008

Bestselling author Deepak Chopra brings the Buddha back to life in this gripping novel of the young prince who abandoned his inheritance to discover his true calling. This iconic journey changed the world forever, and the truths revealed continue to influence every corner of the globe today. A young man in line for the throne is trapped in his father's kingdom and yearns for the outside world. Betrayed by those closest to him, Siddhartha abandons his palace and princely title. Alone and face-to-face with his demons, he becomes a wandering monk and embarks on a spiritual fast that carries him to the brink of death. Ultimately recognizing his inability to conquer his body and mind by sheer will, Siddhartha transcends his physical pain and achieves enlightenment. Although we recognize Buddha today as an icon of peace and serenity, his life story was a tumultuous and spellbinding affair filled with love and sex, murder and loss, struggle and surrender. From the rocky terrain of the material world to the summit of the spiritual one, Buddha captivates and inspires-ultimately leading us closer to understanding the true nature of life and our selves.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Hodder (2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0340943866
• ISBN-13: 978-0340943861
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.8 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (100 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,304,895 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Founder of The Chopra Foundation
Senior Scientist, The Gallup Organization
www.deepakchopra.com
www.facebook.com/DeepakChopraCommunity
www.twitter.com/deepakchopra

As a global leader and pioneer in the field of mind-body medicine, Chopra transforms the way the world views physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social wellness. Known as a prolific author of over sixty books with eighteen New York Times best sellers in both the fiction and non fiction categories.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

95 of 105 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A new classic, May 1, 2007

By 

Lissa Coffey, Host of coffeytalk.com "DoshaDiva" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment (Hardcover)

The story of the prince who awakened to become the Buddha is one of the most dramatic and compelling stories of all time. Deepak Chopra, a well-known and loved voice in the self-help arena, has a new book out that beautifully lets us experience just what the life of the Buddha was like as he embarked on his spiritual journey. We can really feel the natural internal conflict that he goes through as he seeks both wisdom and transformation. Deepak is a gifted writer. I'm sure you have read many of his non-fiction work; I have a whole "Deepak" bookshelf at my house! "Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment" is a novel, and an inspiring read. As an added kind of "bonus" to all of us on the path who crave nonfiction, Deepak has included a guide with commentary and teachings on core Buddhist principles. This book is destined to be a classic. And I could totally see it being turned into a movie. Two thumbs up from me!

55 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Important Teaching, May 7, 2007

By 

Dale Colton (Tampa, Florida USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment (Hardcover)

Like an "on the spot reporter" Deepak Chopra tells the story of the Buddha as if he had been there. Did he draw these memories from his past? Was he was one of the monks who knew and shared Siddhartha path to Buddhahood? Possibly-- or perhaps he received his information from the Akashic field? How else can one explain how he could tell this story with such deep understanding? For those of us who aspire to know the same Truth that Siddhartha sought, this story - written as a novel, becomes an important Teaching... for within it's pages lies the wisdom to consider the "human condition" and compassionately realize what we must all overcome on our way to Enlightenment. The Buddha depicted as the symbol of compassion, serenity and peace is honored more fully because of Deepak Chopra's words...they remind us all of what it takes to become a Buddha and encourages us to continue on. I highly recommend this book.

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, August 27, 2007

By 

medreader (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment (Hardcover)

This book is disappointing on many levels. The prose is overly flowery, and attempts to Hollywood-ize the life of the Buddha, filled with details of be-headings, 'magic tricks' performed after enlightenment, etc. Chopra could have taken advantage of his reputation as a leader in the field of mind/body studies and skill as a writer to try to get some of the fundamental teachings of the Buddha across, but instead writes an 'action movie' type of account, spending far too long on the princely childhood (filled with gratuitous violent images), and hardly any time discussing the period after Buddha's enlightenment, which was the majority of his life and where he expounded his teachings. Rather, Chopra makes it look like enlightenment provides magic powers. THE classic fictionalization of the Buddha's life is Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, a wonderful book. If you're looking to learn more about the teachings for inner peace, see: Thich Nat Hahn's The heart of the Buddha's Teaching and The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka by William Hart....or to see how these teachings transform lives, check out the film Dhamma Brothers.