First published 1740
Prince Siddhartha sits in his palace, surrounded by luxury yet troubled by the suffering he has witnessed beyond the walls. His journey will transform him into Shakyamuni Buddha through twelve pivotal moments that reshape both his understanding and the world around him. Gods watch and assist as he abandons his royal life, seeks teachers, faces temptation, and discovers the path to end all suffering. The cosmic and intimate intertwine as celestial beings witness his struggles while earthly relationships pull at his heart. His devoted son Rahula waits for a father who chose the greater path. Chögyel crafts each of the twelve acts with equal attention to grand spiritual revelations and quiet human moments. The story moves from Siddhartha's sheltered beginnings through his awakening under the bodhi tree to his years teaching others. At its heart lies the tension between personal liberation and compassion for all beings, between leaving everything behind and remaining connected to those who love you.
Genres: mythology, historical-fiction, buddhism
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family
Setting: Bodhi Tree, Palace
Period: Ancient
160 pages · Paperback · Penguin Classics