Book Review - The Story of Buddha by Kai Tsukimi

Buddha's story has been told and retold countless number of times. I had read The Light Of Asia and found it to be one of the best pieces of literature ever written.

But this book? It is - different. More meditative. It brings the Buddha to life in front of you through short yet powerful tales of his journey from a prince to the greatest monk of his time.

The stories have been presented from various PoVs - as a narrative by Channa, the man who had once carried Siddhartha on his shoulders, taught him to fight and had been his biggest cheerleader who had to watch the prince transform into a wandering ascetic right in front of his eyes; as a narrative by Kanthaka, Siddhartha's horse whom none else could tame and who would have followed his master to the end of the world if he had only asked; as a narrative by the river where Siddhartha, in his initial days as an ascetic, almost drowned but was carried away to the shore by the river's current... Many other PoVs by other characters make this book an unforgettable read.

Every chapter is a meditative experience. The enigmatic Buddha shines throughout the story, coming to life right in front of the reader with the author's impeccable description. The stories are short and give ample fodder for thought and inner reflection.

Like all the books of Kai, this is just amazing and makes for an excellent zen-centric read, not to mention spreading the peace, wisdom and compassion of Buddha. Highly, highly recommended.