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Focus on Books:
The Buddha's life as a creative narrative
Professor Sunanda MAHENDRA
Title: Buddha: A story of Enlightenment
Author: Deepak Chopra
Publisher: Harper Collins, 2007
Page count: 278 pages.
Price: Rs 885
Since the first edition of the socio-religious narrative 'Buddha' in
2007, a number of later editions have come up as a result of the wide
readership the author has received. Prior to the publication of this
book, several other authors have attempted to portray the life of the
Buddha in varying forms both prose as well as verse. 'Story of the
Buddha' by Edith Holland traces the birth of Siddhartha Gothama in
prose.
 The pioneer attempts to portray several sensitive areas in the life
of Siddhartha and Enlightenment or the achievement of the great state of
Bliss.
These books have influenced the study of the doctrine as pronounced
by the Buddha in many ways; they launch creative communication studies
related to religious matters as well.
The book by Deepak Chopra is an in-depth study of the Indian society
during the time of the Buddha. He tries to trace the society to which
Siddhartha the would be Buddha was born as far as possible - where he
traces the myths, rituals, legends, astrological and other daily
activities. Siddhartha's father Suddhodana plays a vital role in the
narrative, in which he is portrayed as a leader torn between two worlds.
The world of those who delve in worldly activities culminating in
material benefits and the world of spiritual bliss, mainly the teachings
and insights of his own son, Siddhartha. In 19 chapters Chopra deals
with important issues of the day that paved the way for Siddhartha to
peep into the dismal prevailing conditions and to transcend from there
onwards.
I may not agree with a reader who says that Chopra's is page moving.
But I could see it is full of incidents and situations dramatically
presented. The lifestyle of Siddhartha is made to collide with those
like Devadatta, who turned out an enemy later on. The two supporters of
the Buddha, Channa the charioteer and father, are recreated to suit the
narrative at times.
Devadatta is initially depicted as a friend of Suddhodana, who later
realises the actualities of his deeds. Chopra's attempt is not to trace
the traditional historical events as related in the well known lifestyle
of the Buddha. Instead in part one of the book, he tries to show the
various social issues related to Siddhartha's life and wanderings which
make him renounce.
As usually observed, the character of Yasodhara, Siddhartha's wife,
is shown as an absentee from the narrative. Sujatha comes as a closer
female character in her place the narrative.
Part two of the narrative is titled as 'Gothama, the Monk'
(144-211pp) and part three as 'Buddha' (215-264pp). These sections are
followed by an epilogue (265-271pp) and a practical guide to Buddhism
(274-278pp). Chopra as a writer is penetrative and selective in his
mission. He may have collected quite a lot of source material but
encompasses what he deems as only necessary for his narrative.
A conventional reader may not find the essence of the Buddha's
teachings as laid down in the canons. For example the writer does not
emphasise some of the dialogues that ensued between kings like Kosala
and the Buddha as found in the ancient text.
Instead new recreations abound which throw effects to the same in
other indirect forms.
Chopra's attempt is closer to a reconstruction than an orthodox
narrative. But there are also traces of Buddhist symbolism utilised to
enhance the narrative line. One such example is the encounter with Mara
or the Death (85pp). Perhaps a modern reader of Chopra will take an
active interest in the study of Buddhism, which alone, should be
considered an achievement.
Chopra notes the following:
"In writing this book, I took a deep breath and created new
characters and incidents in the life of one of the most famous people
who ever lived.
Famous, but still very obscure, I wanted to bring Buddha out of the
mists of time, to fill him out in flesh and blood while still preserving
his mystery."
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