Customer Reviews: Read 59 more reviews...
 Enchanting July 31, 2008
I found this novel by Depok Chopra about the life of Budha to be enlightening. As a novel, I expected certain literary license to be taken, and was not distressed by the fictional story that was created. The life of Budha was amazing and the essence of the book is the true story of that life. Depok's novels are as interesting if not more entertaining than his non-fiction works. I've passed this book on to several friends and have received rave reviews from most of them.
As a beginner on a spirtual path to explore the teachings of Budha, this book is an introduction that got my imagination soaring and ready to learn more about the Budha nature in us all.
It is clearly not meant for everyone -- but if you're just starting out, its a great way to begin your journey.
 Inspirational Fiction July 18, 2008
This book reads like a travel guide through portions of the life that the Buddha experienced. With a little imagination, one can experience his pain, joy, wisdom and enlightenment at the same time. It's a valuable look for many of us Westerners who know there's something we may be missing in the Spiritual world.
 It Falls Short of What it Promises July 17, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I give it two stars, instead of one, because of my respect for Deepak. His non-fiction books have been an inspiration to a countless number of people on this planet.
This book, however, reads like a B-grad teen/pre-teen novel. It leans more on fantasy details about 'The Adventures of Buddha' than on the more essential insight that would inspire many to buy the book in the first place. Even if you choose to read the book, in spite of it all, the storyline breaks up or changes scenes quite often, which left me with a sense of frustration.
I got to page 222 - out of a feeling of guilt, for being disappointed in a fictional book about Buddhism by a famous author - but common sense now tells me to stop, drop it off at the second-hand store, and find a better book.
The intention of Deepak was good, but the content falls very short.
Still...Namaste!
Great story about Buddha July 7, 2008
This is a very enjoyable account the the life of the Buddha. Even if you are not a Buddhist, I highly recommend this book.
"A page turning masterpiece" ??? July 4, 2008
1 out of 4 found this review helpful
That quote from Wayne Dyer is a not surprising huge bit of hyperbole. These guys love to review each others books, don't they. Quite the marketing ploy.
The unfortunate dilemma for this nice little story is that it will inevitably be compared to a real "timeless classic", Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. Read that one folks, it is the real deal. Hesse was a contemporary of and a patient as well of Carl Jung's...would like to have been a fly on the wall for those sessions. I read that book many years ago and it just lingers in my unconscious mind. Chopra's "Buddha" can't hold a candle to it. Sorry Deepak groupies, I call em as I see em.
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