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Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: five monks, forest hermit, older monk, Golden Age
4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (87 customer reviews)
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Eastern philosophy popularizer and mind-body pioneer Chopra has done novels before, and critics have not found fiction his long suit. That should change with this tale of how the Indian prince Siddhartha came to be the enlightened one, the Buddha. The subject is tailor-made for Chopra. He can draw on what he's familiar with: the ancient Indian culture that shaped the historic personage of the Buddha, and the powers of mind that meditation harnesses. Although the novel begins a little slowly with exposition and character introduction, once the character of the Buddha is old enough to occupy center stage, Chopra simply portrays the natural internal conflict experienced by any human seeking spiritual wisdom and transformation. Centered on a single character, the narrative moves forward simply and inexorably. Especially imaginative and intriguing is the low-key nature of the Buddha's enlightenment experience. In case Chopra's fans want something more direct, an epilogue and concluding "practical guide" offer nonfiction commentary and teaching on core Buddhist principles. Chopra thanks a film director friend for sparking the project, and the novel has clear cinematic potential. This fast and easy-to-read book teaches without being didactic. Chopra scores a fiction winner. (May)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.


From Booklist

Chopra is best known for his spiritual how-to books. Here, he turns to fiction (though he adds a how-to epilogue), writing about the life of Prince Siddhartha, who became the Buddha. Chopra divides his book into three parts. The first chronicles the youth of a motherless boy who has a destiny: to be a spiritual leader as foretold by astronomers at his birth. But his powerful father refuses to bow to fate and keeps his son isolated from the world. In the second part, Siddhartha, now a husband and father, sees suffering and decides to leave his life of leisure and become a monk. Despite extreme asceticism and a duel with a demon, enlightenment eludes him. In the final section, Siddhartha sees the error of trying to defeat his body and, in one night, achieves enlightenment and becomes the Buddha. The Buddha's story is compelling, and though Chopra's writing can be overly dramatic and his language flowery, he captures the essence of the spiritual seeker, sometimes shockingly single-minded in the pursuit of illumination. When the novel ends, the explanations begin, with Chopra providing a Q and A about the tenets of Buddhism. Many will find his "answers" as enigmatic as they are enlightening. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 278 pages
  • Publisher: HarperOne (February 26, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0060878819
  • ISBN-13: 978-0060878818
  • Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (87 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,805 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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    #8 in  Books > Religion & Spirituality > Buddhism > Buddha
    #79 in  Books > Nonfiction > Philosophy > Eastern

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Deepak Chopra
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Customer Reviews

87 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.3 out of 5 stars (87 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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84 of 94 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A new classic, May 1, 2007
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!
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46 of 52 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.
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23 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars There are better options for studying Buddhism., August 8, 2007
By ElkoJohn (Nevada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment (Hardcover)
Chopra's best contribution to Buddhism in this book is his honest assessment of Buddha's non-God position. But then he goes on to write about Buddha's encounter with good & evil spirits, which of course parallels the theistic religions. Then he attributes miracles to the Buddha, which, like the miracles of Jesus, cannot be verified except for "a long, long time ago, someone said it happened." He also writes that our everyday experience with suffering is not "real," but rather, what you are experiencing is a "dream state." This is a New-Agey way of dealing with suffering. Buddha made the human experience of suffering the center piece of his analysis of the human condition. So therefore, suffering IS NOT just some figment of the human imagination. When the suicide bomb blows off your arms & legs, it's the real thing period. So if you're interested in the absolute power of non-metaphysical, knock your socks off, no frills, by golly I can do this enlightenment stuff too -- kind of Buddhism, then read "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" by Shunryu Suzuki and "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars On the fence?
So heres the plain, simple truth about this book: Its a great work of fiction that combines elements of both mahayana and theravada buddhism. Read more
Published 1 month ago by M. Goree

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Perspective
I enjoyed this book mostly for one reason, that Buddhas life is rarely ever told the way this book does. Read more
Published 2 months ago by M. Garrison

1.0 out of 5 stars Expected something and got nothing
I honestly, sincerely cannot imagine how anyone could enjoy this book. It's clear what's being attempted: to bring a famous historical and religious figure to life with fictional... Read more
Published 3 months ago by W. Zinsmeister

5.0 out of 5 stars The Buddha A Story of Enlightenment
If the Buddha had a business manager he would have probably written a lot of books, gone on speaking tours, and in general, collected a lot of cash for his money generating... Read more
Published 3 months ago by James A. Baker

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Buddhist Fiction
This is a quick and pleasant book to read. It leaves you with the sense that you actually know something about the life of Buddha. Read more
Published 3 months ago by C. D. White

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great way to see the life of Buddha
Buddha has always been a mystery since there is so little known about him. This book is well written and detailed enough in all the characters that you feel you are present with... Read more
Published 3 months ago by M. Tate

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow Great A True Must Read
I can't find the right words it is that good, I am afraid that my poor ability to describe it will only detract from the masterpiece this book is sure to be remembered as in years... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Honored Reader

5.0 out of 5 stars In Progress
This book is great! I really liked it. I couldn't put it down. It kept me at the edge of the seat. I'll be back with a better. Read more
Published 4 months ago by N. Sanchez

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!!!
This book is an amazing retelling of the legend of the Buddha's birth, early adulthood and enlightenment. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Edward J. Barton

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!!!
This book is an amazing retelling of the legend of the Buddha's birth, early adulthood and enlightenment. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Edward J. Barton

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