Buddha

A Story of Enlightenment

By: Deepak Chopra

Narrated by: Deepak Chopra

Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

"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."

Best-selling 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.

©2007 Deepak Chopra (P)2007 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"The narrative moves forward simply and inexorably. Especially imaginative and intriguing is the low-key nature of the Buddha's enlightenment experience....An epilogue and concluding "practical guide" offer nonfiction commentary and teaching on core Buddhist principles. ( Publishers Weekly)
"The audio version of this text may very well trump the written one because of Chopras deft character performance, authentic Indian pronunciation, and familiarity with the story of a fellow Indian who came to be known as the Buddha." ( AudioFile)

This was a pleasure to listen to!

I really enjoyed the book. I especially like that Deepak read the book to us. Thank you for making this into an audiobook!

Very Creative and Interesting story

When he first starts the narration of the Book, it feels a bit choppy, but as Chopra progresses through the story, he smooths out and he tells a compelling tale. I enjoyed the book so much that I listened to it twice. Chopra expertly weaves Indian mythological and spiritual ideas into his writing, and brings the charactures to life, whether they are mythical or human.

Fantasy, not history

This story is made up by the author, it is not the story of Budda. I was under that misconception when I ordered it. It's an interesting story, but very fanciful in many ways. Not sure why this was written I thought this author dealt in enlightening people in ways of though and behavior.

A goof fictional story

The author stated upfront this was a work of fiction and not factually based! A lot of the information we know about the Buddha was handed down by oral traditions before being written down.

From the start of the story we are given the Hero’s Journey from start to finish! I will say if Deepak wanted to go into writing works of fiction he would have a second career for sure!

We follow the Buddha from before his birth until his death in this story. The author wove a great tale telling us all about his family life before he was born, after he was born and during his lifetime. We see how his parents loved each other and really wanted the best for the Buddha even if they didn’t realize they couldn’t have it which is a lesson a lot of parents learn in their lifetimes. Whatever we want for our children we need to see if they want it as well. As Deepak said in another book let the child develop by making the feel secure and loved. What emerges will be beyond your wildest imagination!

Here we see how the Buddha was controlled and yet he still found is own way. I’ve seen this in the lives of many people I know who’s parents chose their life for them. 20 yrs doing one thing to suddenly to another.

The story of the Buddha was the story of someone who saw one achievement for what it was and moved deeper. Then we see his reward for this persistence! In the story he begins to teach it to others until his death! Many will argue he could have prevented his own death as he had others in this story. I don’t know about this and leave it where the author leaves it.

The characters are well develops! The scenery is described and comes alive in our minds eye! We feel as if we’re really there with the characters witnessing their lives! So, when is book two coming? Maybe about Kwan Yin?

A nice story book version of Siddhartha’s life

This is a nice story book version of Siddhartha slice if that’s what you’re looking for. I think this would be great for children. As an adult I am sure the quintessential Siddhartha more but I still have rated this four stars because it’s a nice story for a different audience. My children are grown now but if they were younger I might buy it for them.

Interesting, but would like more fact based.

What did you love best about Buddha?

The story was interesting... but I wish I knew more about the factual part of his life.

This story has stayed with me

As someone with deep respect and appreciation for Deepak Chopra's teachings and perspective, I was eager to hear his perspective on the life of the Buddha.

The story itself was very much a story, presented with dramatic flair, riding the emotional lines of love, hate, searching, and ultimate fulfillment. It was a great read, with, for me, a satisfying ending.

My only disappointment was how the women characters were portrayed and handled. They were merely pawns for the dramatic aspect of the story. In future stories I hope that Deepak will consider the fact that women readers will naturally look to identify with a female character in the story, and both their qualities and how they are treated can leave an impression.

But, otherwise I very much enjoyed the read. I also very much valued the epilogue, with Deepak's insights into practicing Buddhism.

Thank you Deepak, for bringing these teachings into an emotionally tangible realm.

Enjoyed from begin to end!

Deepak did a masterful job of telling the classic sorry if Buddha’s journey. It was revealing and touching. I just purchased Mohammed and can’t wait to get started.

Enlightening and entertaining

I am SO happy Deepak himself narrated it himself! Loved it!!!! It was entertaining and enlightening at the same time. I just finished it and but I want to read/listen to it again!

Waste of storage space

Narration is bad. Fictionalized story of the life of Siddartha/Buddha that is simplistic and uninteresting. I can't imagine the author is proud of this book.