An author of mass appeal; Deepak Chopra portrays the essence of Buddha’s teachings and his quest for enlightenment in his book ‘Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment’. With a few adept strokes of his pen, he has recreated the life of Buddha, one of the most renowned figures of the world. The book reveals how a prince turned into an ascetic, and how this iconic journey changed the world forever. It also recounts how Buddha’s teachings still pervade the universe and touch some of the deepest cords of life. This persuasive narrative by Chopra is indeed a masterpiece, which has a lot to offer to his legion of fan-followers. Embark on a short spiritual journey by reading this synopsis of the book.
The Book
With a story that regresses back in time, the narrative divulges the life of ‘Prince Siddhartha’, who was born in Ancient Asia. His destiny is prophesized during the time of his birth and it is foretold that he would either be a warrior-king, like his father, or would become the greatest spiritual teacher of all times. But, Siddhartha’s father (Suddhodana) wants the boy to be a ruling monarch like him and not a monk. So, the King traps his son at the palace and keeps him away from sights of sufferings, miseries and distress, to prevent any sort of spiritual awakening in him. The King even builds a pleasure-palace for his son, where the boy is provided with all the palatial pleasures and luxuries.
As the story unfolds, Siddhartha’s inner turmoil and distress increases and he yearns for the outside world. With constant clarion call for his real duties; the prince finally abandons his affluent life and eschews pleasures of princedom. He adopts the garb of a monk and embarks on an enlightening journey that changes his life and touches a universal cord. The narrative also shows how the life of this great saint was a tumultuous affair and was engulfed with murder, sex, suffering, struggle and surrender. The way Siddhartha transcends all these commonplace aspects and emerges as the enlightened one (Buddha) makes the book a spellbinding read. Without being didactic, it helps the readers have an insight into the real meaning of life and understand the true nature of human existence.
The Author
Authors of international bestsellers like Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, Creating Affluence, The Return of Merlin, The Path to Love and The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success; Deepak Chopra is a doctor and a literary genius of New Age spirituality and holistic health. An international author, whose work of art are published and read across the globe; his writings have revolutionized the concept of the wisdom of the East. More than a dozen of his books are credited with the best-seller status on the New York Times. With his literary grip encompassing fiction and non-fiction genres, more than fifty books of this poet-prophet have been translated to over 35 different languages.
