Buddha: a Story of Enlightenment

Publisher Marketing: The Buddha was as mortal as you and I, yet he attained enlightenment and was raised to the rank of an immortal. The miracle is that he got there following a heart as human as yours and mine, and just as vulnerable. - from the Introduction Bestselling author Deepak Chopra brings the Buddha back to life in this gripping account 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. Finally 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 force, 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 entertains and inspires - ultimately leading us closer to understanding the true nature of life and ourselves." Review Citations: Library Journal 02/15/2007 pg. 126 (EAN 9780060878801, Hardcover) Booklist 02/01/2007 pg. 4 (EAN 9780060878801, Hardcover) Publishers Weekly 03/12/2007 pg. 39 (EAN 9780060878801, Hardcover) - *Starred Review People Weekly 05/14/2007 pg. 52 (EAN 9780060878801, Hardcover) Vanity Fair 06/01/2007 pg. 68 (EAN 9780060878801, Hardcover) Contributor Bio:  Chopra, Deepak Deepak Chopra is the author of more than fifty-five books translated into over thirty-five languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers in both fiction and nonfiction categories.