This is the fourth book in the classic eight volume graphic novel series retelling the story of Buddha, from the godfather of the genre. In book four, unfulfilled by the teachings of renowned ascetics, Siddhartha agrees to follow Dhepa into the forest of trials. But the final ordeal of little Assjai proves to be his most poignant lesson. As Sdhartha searches his heart and yearns for his family, the Kosalans discover the true caste of their queen - a despised shudra, disguised as a noble kshatriya. For the insult, the Buddhas homeland will pay dearly. Originated in the 1970s, Buddha is Osamu Tezukas unparalleled rendition of the life and times of Prince Siddhartha. Tezukas storytelling genius and consummate skill at visual expression blossom fully as he contextualizes the Buddhas ideas; with an emphasis on, action, emotion, humour and conflict as Prince Siddhartha runs away from home, travels across India and questions Hindu practices such as ascetic self-mutilation and caste oppression. Rather than recommend resignation and impassivity, Tezukas Buddha predicates enlightenment upon recognizing the interconnectedness of life, having compassion for the suffering, and ordering ones life sensibly, his approach is slightly irreverent in that it incorporates something that Western commentators often eschew, namely, humour.
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