Free Becoming Buddha: The Story Of Siddhartha Ebooks Online
Now in paperback, Becoming Buddha is an intriguing and captivating introduction to the story of Buddhism. Opening vertically, beautiful words and illustrations depict the life of Siddhartha Gautama, a young, wealthy prince who eventually gave up his worldly ways until he attained supreme enlightenment to become Buddha. Foreword by Tenzin Gyatso, HH Dalai Lama.
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Heian; 2nd edition (July 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0893469564
ISBN-13: 978-0893469566
Product Dimensions: 11 x 0.2 x 8.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #1,434,553 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #78 in Books > Children's Books > Religions > Eastern #409 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Religious #6887 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > Eastern > Buddhism
Age Range: 10 and up
Grade Level: 4 and up
This is a very well done children's book on an important world religion. It uses the narrative story of the Buddha's life to demonstrate the fundamental principles of Buddhism i.e. material life is characterized by suffering, the middle way between two extremes is best and there is a release from the cycle of suffering.Where children are concerned, it is a good story that captivates attention and sparks the imagination. This re-telling of the Buddha's life fits the bill and introduces many sound principles that apply to any religion e.g. ultimate satisfaction is not to be found in the material world, the way to deeper meaning is inward, suffering is largely caused by selfish desire, etc.In a diverse world, books like this can help to bridge important gaps. This one has a good story, principles, illustrations, etc. I highly recommend it.
Reviewed by Brianne Plach by Reader Views (5/07)Siddharta has had a rough life. His mother dies just 7 days after his birth and his aunt becomes like a mother to him. The boy's father, King Shuddhodana, is told that his son can become a holy man when he is older but for now he will be a great ruler. As he grows up, he feels that life is full of suffering. He is encouraged to look for some enlightenment. He learns the benefits of meditation. He becomes a leader in his own way. The road to becoming a leader takes many twists and turns along the way. He also meets some people who encourage him."Becoming Buddha" provides an interesting insight into Buddhism. It gives non-Buddhists a chance to see a little of what Buddhism is about. It is not my religion, but gives me a look at another religion. The pictures in this book are very colorful and look like they are painted. It is very artistic. "Becoming Buddha" has in its foreword written by the 14th Dalai Lama, that the author doesn't believe in Buddhism but hopes that she can contribute to global peace.Note from Brianne's mother: On the book jacket, this book says that it is best suited for children over the age of 12. She is younger than the target audience so we read this book together. She had a lot of questions about Buddhism since it is much different than our faith.Book received free of charge.
My 4 year old girl is probably a bit confused when I take meditation breaks. Not only is this a great story to instill values but it seems to elucidate on the practice of meditation at a basic level and I think it was a eureka moment for her while I was reading that part. This is why Daddy meditates kind of thing. Excellent book I hope she doesn't get bored with it so I can read over and over again and habituate both of our minds! =)
"Becoming Buddha, the Story of Siddhartha" is a beautifully illustrated children's book about the life of Buddha. A foreword and special meditation guide by Hi Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama add to the immense appeal and value of "becoming Buddha." Written in white flowing text against black background and unfolding like a calendar of miracles, "Becoming Buddha" presents the story of Siddhartha's life like a luminous, unfolding flower. Just reading and experiencing the story is sure to bring a measure of hidden peace and joy to anyone. The Four Noble Truths are presented along with the Buddha's saying: "Pay Attention to your mind. Otherwise it will cause you to suffer. The focused mind brings happiness." "Becoming Buddha" is accessible to children ages 8 and up, and adults of all ages. Younger children will love the illustrations and sense the message of peace that is folded in to this inspiring interpretation of the life of Buddha.
A beautiful book. The art is just lovely. I really enjoyed it. That being said, I felt it was a little too advanced for my 3.5 year old. My 5 year old was very interested in drawings but it seemed a little too detailed for her even. I think the approach to take would be to read a few pages at a time and then talk about what you read and then read a few more the next night and talk about what you read..etc..etc...but not something to read all in one evening. A good buy regardless. You can always tuck it away until the time is right.
This is an introduction to the main themes of Buddhism through a telling of the Buddha's life story. One of the few Buddhist offerings geared for children this young (3-8 years old), the interesting artwork and fascinating story held my four-year old daughter's interest. Look for the paperback version used, since the hardcover import is currently out of print and very expensive.
Becoming Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha Prince Siddhartha: The Story of Buddha Little Buddha: The Story of Prince Siddhartha In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon (Teachings of the Buddha) Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living How Would Buddha Think?: 1,501 Right-Intention Teachings for Cultivating a Peaceful Mind (The New Harbinger Following Buddha Series) The Buddha's Teachings on Social and Communal Harmony: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon (Teachings of the Buddha) The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Majjhima Nikaya (Teachings of the Buddha) The Long Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Digha Nikaya (Teachings of the Buddha) 12 Steps on Buddha's Path: Bill, Buddha, and We Great Disciples of the Buddha: Their Lives, Their Works, Their Legacy (Teachings of the Buddha) The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha: A Complete Translation of the Anguttara Nikaya (Teachings of the Buddha) Siddhartha (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) Siddhartha: An Indian Tale (Penguin Twentieth-Century Classics) Siddhartha (Barnes & Noble Classics) Siddhartha (Penguin Drop Caps) Siddhartha Prince Siddhartha Coloring Book Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian : Adult Development and Christian Faith The Story of Buddha: Buddhism for Children Level 2
