The Buddha: The Story of an Awakened Life [Paperback]

David Kherdian (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2004

A simple, inspiring telling of the life of the Buddha by an award-winning, best-selling author. Here is an opportunity to approach one of the world’s greatest spiritual teachers through the timeless tale of his search for enlightenment and the end of suffering. This is the first account of the Buddha’s story that blends the elements of history, legend, and Buddhist teachings into a compelling, page-turning narrative. Experience the Buddha’s life, from his extravagant youth and ascetic renunciation to awakening and decades of profound teaching.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Kherdian, who has written for both children and adults, pens a simple, lyrical biography of Buddha suited for all ages. Episodes from the life of the Indian prince born around the fifth century B.C.E. are narrated in chronological order to present an unfolding life history that engages and also teaches some central Buddhist tenets. The Buddha's life is the stuff of legends, and this telling is mythopoeic rather than dully historical or biographical. In a narrative with a well-marked beginning, middle and end, the Buddha finds the middle way at mid-life after pursuing youthful extremes of sensual indulgence and mortifying asceticism. Post-Enlightenment stories then show how the Buddha's spiritual authority and community grew over the course of 40 years of teaching, and the Buddha's resonant and honored final words ("Work out your salvation with diligence") close the narrative. Some well-known Buddhist parables, such as the story of the mustard seed, are included. If the goal is to humanize an eminent spiritual leader from another time and place, the book succeeds. Buddha has a mother and dad, an envious cousin, quarrelsome followers and a son who challenges him. Buddhist students may not want something quite this elementary, but it is an accessible introduction to the life of the Buddha for general readers wanting a taste of a legendary life story.
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About the Author

David Kherdian is the author of over 60 books of fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and children's literature. He has won the Newbery Honor Book, Boston Globe/Horn Book Award, Lewis Carrol Bookshelf Award, Jane Addams Peace Award, and has been nominated for the National Book Award, and Friend of America Writers Award. He lives in Chatham, New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 164 pages
• Publisher: White Cloud Press (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883991633
• ISBN-13: 978-1883991630
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #651,677 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #47 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( B ) > Buddha

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Terrific Book!, February 4, 2005

By 

Book Lover (Virginia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Buddha: The Story of an Awakened Life (Paperback)

Finally! A Life Story of Buddha in simple, elegant story form. Kherdian tells the story of Siddharta's life - from young prince to enlightened Buddha - without the inscrutable mythology found in every other book about the Enlightened One.

If you've ever been curious about Buddha - where he came from and how he came to be - this is the book for you.

This book belongs in every library, and every school in the country.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent rendition of Buddha's life story, May 4, 2010

By 

Ravi C. (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Buddha: The Story of an Awakened Life (Paperback)

A happy 3-hour read. A useful and interesting retelling of Buddha's life story which addresses most of the major events. A good introductory book to savor.