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Enlightened
A spirited young prince longing to learn more about the world grows into a man on a quest to find the cause of human suffering in this first-of-its-kind graphic novel retelling of the life of Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism.
Prince Siddhartha lives in a beautiful palace in the heart of Kapilavastu. His father, the king, ensures that he has the best of everything—he just can’t go outside. He is locked up away from the city, away from anything that might cause him pain. He knows nothing of illness, aging, sorrow, or death, yet Siddhartha feels the pain regardless, and it instills a burning curiosity to understand the world outside—and the nature of human suffering.
Based on the life of the real man who was known first as a prince, then as a monk, and now as the Gautama Buddha, Enlightened is about one boy’s quest to learn the truth that underpins our endless struggle against suffering—and in understanding, break the cyclic existence that perpetuates it.
Prince Siddhartha lives in a beautiful palace in the heart of Kapilavastu. His father, the king, ensures that he has the best of everything—he just can’t go outside. He is locked up away from the city, away from anything that might cause him pain. He knows nothing of illness, aging, sorrow, or death, yet Siddhartha feels the pain regardless, and it instills a burning curiosity to understand the world outside—and the nature of human suffering.
Based on the life of the real man who was known first as a prince, then as a monk, and now as the Gautama Buddha, Enlightened is about one boy’s quest to learn the truth that underpins our endless struggle against suffering—and in understanding, break the cyclic existence that perpetuates it.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2023
6 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 21, 2024
Stars are for the art, which was a total waste on this story. The guy just takes off leaving his wife post childbirth and his newborn son, I don’t care how “enlightened” he became, and why take charity from others when you have offers of food from your family??? I’m sure they’d accommodate and make him simple foods if he asked!!
He didn’t even tell his wife he was leaving. I would way rather have read the story from his wife’s point of view and see how/if she finds happiness without him.
What a dreadful origin story for a religion.
He didn’t even tell his wife he was leaving. I would way rather have read the story from his wife’s point of view and see how/if she finds happiness without him.
What a dreadful origin story for a religion.
June 1, 2024
I learned a little bit about Buddhism before, but didn't know much. Nonetheless, over the years, I've gained a strong interest in learning about philosophies, religions, and life in general. Thus, when I saw "Enlightened" at a local library, I was intrigued.
I enjoyed "Enlightened" a lot. The art is great. The book is a fast read (though it generally didn't feel too fast or too slow), but it contains a lot of information about Siddhartha's journey and teachings. Ediriweera is a great writer and he did a superb job in balancing showing vs. telling. I was hooked throughout and learned a lot through this book. It resonated with me a lot and gave me much to think about. It also increased my interest in learning more about Buddhism.
Altogether, this is a superb graphic novel. The art is solid and the story is well-written. I like the pacing of the book also and am inspired to learn more.
I enjoyed "Enlightened" a lot. The art is great. The book is a fast read (though it generally didn't feel too fast or too slow), but it contains a lot of information about Siddhartha's journey and teachings. Ediriweera is a great writer and he did a superb job in balancing showing vs. telling. I was hooked throughout and learned a lot through this book. It resonated with me a lot and gave me much to think about. It also increased my interest in learning more about Buddhism.
Altogether, this is a superb graphic novel. The art is solid and the story is well-written. I like the pacing of the book also and am inspired to learn more.
April 15, 2024
Who knew Buddha was the OG deadbeat dad. Bye.
August 24, 2023
“It is better to live one day trying to understand the world than to never see it at all.”
I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: death
I really enjoyed reading this book! The writing style and artwork made it a captivating read. The colour scheme also helped to create focus on the story and the lessons being taught. With engaging storytelling and beautiful illustrations, Enlightened is a starting off point for anyone wanting to begin learning more about Buddhism.
I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings: death
I really enjoyed reading this book! The writing style and artwork made it a captivating read. The colour scheme also helped to create focus on the story and the lessons being taught. With engaging storytelling and beautiful illustrations, Enlightened is a starting off point for anyone wanting to begin learning more about Buddhism.
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February 12, 2024
An excellent narrative introduction to how the Buddha reached enlightenment, and started spreading his teachings.
October 9, 2023
Note: I am not Buddhist but have done some research over the years. I am not an expert. I am coming at it from the perspective of someone who knows just enough to know I know nothing.
This is a really good adaptation of the life of Siddhartha. It uses several sources for the main story that will come up if one studies Buddhism beyond a summary. The story is kindly told with beautiful illustrations. (The different uses of blue and orange was really quite lovely.) It also gives a good summary of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path and makes it a high point at the same time in the story, which was very well done. There are resources at the end of the book if the reader is interested in learning more.
I think this is a good addition to a library that is looking for more books about Buddhism for middle school to high school readers.
This is a really good adaptation of the life of Siddhartha. It uses several sources for the main story that will come up if one studies Buddhism beyond a summary. The story is kindly told with beautiful illustrations. (The different uses of blue and orange was really quite lovely.) It also gives a good summary of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path and makes it a high point at the same time in the story, which was very well done. There are resources at the end of the book if the reader is interested in learning more.
I think this is a good addition to a library that is looking for more books about Buddhism for middle school to high school readers.
October 27, 2025
Sachi delivers the well-known story of Lord Buddha in a grounded manner. He has fleshed out some parts of the story to add more nuance to Siddhartha, especially in his younger days. This makes you even more involved with the story. The story delivers key moments of Lord Buddha's life in a way which is accessible to any reader of any background. I for one felt very nostalgic reading the book. Brought me right back to my childhood, learning his life story way back when. The artworks are simply brilliant, and I loved it through and through. Highly recommended and I think this would be a great entry for young readers as well.
PS: My OCD self is annoyed by the lack of numbers on the pages so that I can update my Goodreads!
PS: My OCD self is annoyed by the lack of numbers on the pages so that I can update my Goodreads!
October 10, 2023
10/9/2023 3.5 stars. Would probably have appreciated it more were I not in the hard middle of suffering from loss rn. Full review tk at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
10/10/2023 Haha, oh wow, reading the story of a dude who's so self-involved that he takes off on his unsuspecting wife and kid without any warning is so not what I need right now.
And that's a shame because the story of Siddhartha -- the prince who would become Gautama Buddha -- is certainly fascinating, and the basic messages of Buddhism ones that should be more widely read. Author and artist Sachi Ediriweera is a Sri Lankan Buddhist who's taken on the daunting task of putting together a young-reader-friendly graphic novel depicting the early life of Buddha, tho with admittedly plenty of poetic license. In his telling, the young prince is held a virtual hostage in his father's string of palaces because of King Suddhodana's grief over the death of Siddhartha's mother, Queen Maya. Despite the occasional intervention of both Siddhartha's aunt Pajapati and the king's chief advisor Channa, Suddhodana is adamant that Siddhartha know nothing about the outside world and, thus, nothing of suffering.
But Siddhartha isn't an idiot. Quick-witted and athletic, he's also a kid with high amounts of observational skills and empathy, even if he rarely has reason to flex that last emotional muscle. Soon enough, he meets Yashodara, a neighboring princess brought to the palace. The two fall in love and marry, then have a child they name Rahula. Suddhodana, who still hasn't allowed his son and family any freedom, throws a grand gala to celebrate the birth. Siddhartha falls asleep during the celebrations and wakes up in the aftermath, seeing for the first time what hungover people sleeping off a party look like. Realizing how little he knows and how quickly his father hides any imperfections from him, he decides to just leave now while he has the chance. Channa drives him out to the city gates and gives him some food and extra clothes to take with him, as he walks forward into destiny.
Siddhartha's life for the next few years will change the course of human history, as he learns and meditates on suffering and desire. Once he achieves enlightenment, he begins to teach others his path. His followers begin to organize themselves into orders of monks, as he travels from town to town speaking on what he's learned. Eventually, his journey brings him back to Kapilavastu, where his father, wife and son are still waiting for him to come home.
This story is beautifully depicted in clean lines and gorgeous touches of blue and copper. Even as a maximalist myself, I love that the Buddha in this book preaches a middle path that rebukes both asceticism as well as consumption for its own sake. The breakdown of the four noble truths and eight-fold path is meaningful -- as a committed Muslim I might not agree with everything in the philosophy, but I can certainly appreciate the lessons on behaving justly and mindfully. It's just hard for me in my present frame of mind to be anything but mad at and sad about a dude who so cruelly abandoned the people he claimed to love. I comfort myself with the knowledge that this is, as it says on the cover, A Fictionalized Tale, and that Siddhartha's true story is likely lost to us through the mists of time, with only his valuable lessons on Being A Good Person left behind.
Enlightened by Sachi Ediriweera was published September 26 2023 by Atheneum Books For Young Readers and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
10/10/2023 Haha, oh wow, reading the story of a dude who's so self-involved that he takes off on his unsuspecting wife and kid without any warning is so not what I need right now.
And that's a shame because the story of Siddhartha -- the prince who would become Gautama Buddha -- is certainly fascinating, and the basic messages of Buddhism ones that should be more widely read. Author and artist Sachi Ediriweera is a Sri Lankan Buddhist who's taken on the daunting task of putting together a young-reader-friendly graphic novel depicting the early life of Buddha, tho with admittedly plenty of poetic license. In his telling, the young prince is held a virtual hostage in his father's string of palaces because of King Suddhodana's grief over the death of Siddhartha's mother, Queen Maya. Despite the occasional intervention of both Siddhartha's aunt Pajapati and the king's chief advisor Channa, Suddhodana is adamant that Siddhartha know nothing about the outside world and, thus, nothing of suffering.
But Siddhartha isn't an idiot. Quick-witted and athletic, he's also a kid with high amounts of observational skills and empathy, even if he rarely has reason to flex that last emotional muscle. Soon enough, he meets Yashodara, a neighboring princess brought to the palace. The two fall in love and marry, then have a child they name Rahula. Suddhodana, who still hasn't allowed his son and family any freedom, throws a grand gala to celebrate the birth. Siddhartha falls asleep during the celebrations and wakes up in the aftermath, seeing for the first time what hungover people sleeping off a party look like. Realizing how little he knows and how quickly his father hides any imperfections from him, he decides to just leave now while he has the chance. Channa drives him out to the city gates and gives him some food and extra clothes to take with him, as he walks forward into destiny.
Siddhartha's life for the next few years will change the course of human history, as he learns and meditates on suffering and desire. Once he achieves enlightenment, he begins to teach others his path. His followers begin to organize themselves into orders of monks, as he travels from town to town speaking on what he's learned. Eventually, his journey brings him back to Kapilavastu, where his father, wife and son are still waiting for him to come home.
This story is beautifully depicted in clean lines and gorgeous touches of blue and copper. Even as a maximalist myself, I love that the Buddha in this book preaches a middle path that rebukes both asceticism as well as consumption for its own sake. The breakdown of the four noble truths and eight-fold path is meaningful -- as a committed Muslim I might not agree with everything in the philosophy, but I can certainly appreciate the lessons on behaving justly and mindfully. It's just hard for me in my present frame of mind to be anything but mad at and sad about a dude who so cruelly abandoned the people he claimed to love. I comfort myself with the knowledge that this is, as it says on the cover, A Fictionalized Tale, and that Siddhartha's true story is likely lost to us through the mists of time, with only his valuable lessons on Being A Good Person left behind.
Enlightened by Sachi Ediriweera was published September 26 2023 by Atheneum Books For Young Readers and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
June 23, 2023
*Original review posted on YABC*
One thing about living in the United States is the plethora of culture that has been brought to us. It makes me want to know more about other cultures, religions, and other aspects that is foreign to me. This thirst of knowledge I feel like is inspired by every day living and seeing all of the different influences around us. When I had the opportunity to read Enlightened, I jumped at the chance. My knowledge of Buddhism is very limited, especially how it originated as well. This graphic novel was beautifully created and gave a simplistic version of how Buddhism came to be. I thought it was gorgeously done in its simplistic illustrations and captivating writing. This is a graphic novel that makes me want to research Buddhism more and understand it. And that's exactly what this book should be aiming for. While it's a very simplistic overview of events, it's enough to understand but also make the mind wonder. This two toned coloring of the pages really punctuates the teaching this book has to offer.
The life of Prince Siddhartha to the Awakened One is engaging and interesting. While it's something entirely different knowing this is the story of the founder of Buddhism. I thought it captured his journey well and interpreted it to a understanding for anyone who would read it. A lot of research went into this, which is obvious, but instead of something heavy to try and teach the beginning - it's done in a way that is captivating.
Overall, Enlightened by Sachi Ediriweera is one that everyone should read. As I am ignorant in the teachings and history of Buddhism, this graphic novel really helped me understand how it was began. I loved the art work and the story telling. For those who want to broaden their minds and expose themselves to more, I'd definitely put this on your list.
One thing about living in the United States is the plethora of culture that has been brought to us. It makes me want to know more about other cultures, religions, and other aspects that is foreign to me. This thirst of knowledge I feel like is inspired by every day living and seeing all of the different influences around us. When I had the opportunity to read Enlightened, I jumped at the chance. My knowledge of Buddhism is very limited, especially how it originated as well. This graphic novel was beautifully created and gave a simplistic version of how Buddhism came to be. I thought it was gorgeously done in its simplistic illustrations and captivating writing. This is a graphic novel that makes me want to research Buddhism more and understand it. And that's exactly what this book should be aiming for. While it's a very simplistic overview of events, it's enough to understand but also make the mind wonder. This two toned coloring of the pages really punctuates the teaching this book has to offer.
The life of Prince Siddhartha to the Awakened One is engaging and interesting. While it's something entirely different knowing this is the story of the founder of Buddhism. I thought it captured his journey well and interpreted it to a understanding for anyone who would read it. A lot of research went into this, which is obvious, but instead of something heavy to try and teach the beginning - it's done in a way that is captivating.
Overall, Enlightened by Sachi Ediriweera is one that everyone should read. As I am ignorant in the teachings and history of Buddhism, this graphic novel really helped me understand how it was began. I loved the art work and the story telling. For those who want to broaden their minds and expose themselves to more, I'd definitely put this on your list.
October 4, 2023
I remember reading Siddhartha, by Herman Hesse, in high school and thinking it was OK. It didn’t exactly “sing” to me, but I do remember it. If I had read Enlightened instead, I think the outcome would have been different.
Enlightened, quite honestly, brings the material to life. In particular, the complexities of suffering and attaining enlightenment become accessible. And the overall story draws you in.
Author/illustrator Sachi Ediriweera achieves this with simple and engaging text and crisp linework. His choice to utilize blue watercolor-style backgrounds and single-color accents of brown and orange call attention to the action and eliminates distractions.
While Enlightened will most assuredly appeal to readers who are interested in Buddhism, it has a broader appeal than that. I can easily see the cover catching many a curious reader’s eye.
Enlightened, quite honestly, brings the material to life. In particular, the complexities of suffering and attaining enlightenment become accessible. And the overall story draws you in.
Author/illustrator Sachi Ediriweera achieves this with simple and engaging text and crisp linework. His choice to utilize blue watercolor-style backgrounds and single-color accents of brown and orange call attention to the action and eliminates distractions.
While Enlightened will most assuredly appeal to readers who are interested in Buddhism, it has a broader appeal than that. I can easily see the cover catching many a curious reader’s eye.
June 23, 2024
This is a beautiful story. I wasn't too familiar with the Buddhist story of Prince Siddhartha before reading this book. This is a story-fied modern telling of that tale. I feel this was a good introduction to some more basic Buddhist principles for me. I enjoyed the artwork and that the story was told in an easy-to-digest way.
There were definitely parts where I wanted a lot more details, like when he has his enlightenment. I wanted more about what led to those realizations and how to instill those tenets into daily life.
If you're intrigued by Buddhism and don't have a lot of prior knowledge, this seems like a good jumping off point. Even if you're just looking for a story about how one person found meaning in their life, I think you'll enjoy this.
There were definitely parts where I wanted a lot more details, like when he has his enlightenment. I wanted more about what led to those realizations and how to instill those tenets into daily life.
If you're intrigued by Buddhism and don't have a lot of prior knowledge, this seems like a good jumping off point. Even if you're just looking for a story about how one person found meaning in their life, I think you'll enjoy this.
October 26, 2024
Beautiful artwork and it was nice to be 'enlightened.' I see the message, but as others have said, it's so shit that this all started from him ABANDONING his newborn child and wife!!! And then when he comes back and she's rightfully pissed, cause it's been YEARS (and she's better than me, she tried to keep up with his teachings), he's all "Well, let me teach you to forget these sorrows." Like 😑
Sucks his dad never learned and that he was imprisoned so long, but why didn't you leave before getting married?? And why wait until your kid's born??? Ugh, og deadbeat dad alright, not even a "I'm going for milk."
Sucks his dad never learned and that he was imprisoned so long, but why didn't you leave before getting married?? And why wait until your kid's born??? Ugh, og deadbeat dad alright, not even a "I'm going for milk."
October 31, 2023
Clear, compelling, and endearing introduction to Buddhism/fictionalized spin on the story of the Buddha. I enjoyed the illustration style & the accessible but not-distractingly-modern language.
I also loved the inclusion of the story of Kisa Gotami – it’s one of my favorite ways to talk about grief.
CW: death, death of child, death of parent, grief, abandonment, starvation, illness, animal cruelty
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(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
I also loved the inclusion of the story of Kisa Gotami – it’s one of my favorite ways to talk about grief.
CW: death, death of child, death of parent, grief, abandonment, starvation, illness, animal cruelty
Follow me on TikTok for book recommendations!
(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
June 19, 2023
I picked up a graphic novel after ages, and I read through this easily and eagerly! As a Buddhist, I already knew how most the story would pan out but it was still interesting to see it via Ediriweera's visually arresting art. Enlightened will be a wonderful introduction to both Buddhism and the Buddha to any reader, Buddhist or otherwise. This book belongs on any shelf that embraces and celebrates the wonderful spiritual diversity of our world.
February 19, 2024
This never felt much like it got past the surface stuff for me. Also...I really couldn't get over that "The Enlightened One" was just a deadbeat Dad that was running way from his responsibilities because he was scared of having a song. It really felt like over and over, he just ran away from all his problems. The art was OK. I was happy to learn that that creator wasn't any sort of devote religious person, just interested in the stories around what he grew up with.
October 4, 2025
A quality, easy-to-read graphic novel about the life of Siddhartha Gautama. It helped me better understand the context of his background and teachings. I have clearer mental images now when I read other books on Buddhism, so it was definitely worth my time!
(Btw, Ediriweera does show that Siddhartha's wife was irredeemably hurt when he left; the author doesn't glorify Siddhartha abandoning his family. Don't blame the author for telling the story!)
(Btw, Ediriweera does show that Siddhartha's wife was irredeemably hurt when he left; the author doesn't glorify Siddhartha abandoning his family. Don't blame the author for telling the story!)
July 4, 2023
An incredible exploration of the origins of Buddhism, delving into the life of Siddhartha and what pushed him to seek out answers about the world. This graphic novel is beautifully illustrated and adapted to give anyone interested a great gateway into learning more about other teachings and religions.
October 13, 2023
Lovely illustrations that fit the tone of things. The story is modern voiced to help today's reader understand the journey of one man who went on to do great things. Sometimes things are a little lofty, yet not overly pushy, still not as modest as could be. Overall, this is a fun and delightful experience book.
October 15, 2023
I think this graphic novel is a great introduction to the life of the Buddha for young adult readers. It is not deep or academic. It is a surface level, “this is Gotama and this is how he impacted the world.”
The illustrations are also beautiful and simple.
The illustrations are also beautiful and simple.
February 6, 2024
I enjoyed this retelling of the Siddhartha story. Both are historical fiction and attempts to explain how Siddhartha, the son of a king, became the awakened one. He became the Buddha who discovered the reason for pain and suffering. He learned and taught others the eightfold path of Buddhism.
February 27, 2024
I loved this graphic novel story of the life Siddhartha Gautama from a young price through his journey of self discovery and seeking answers to question until he eventually achieves enlightenment and becomes the Buddha. The art is also visually striking as well.
July 20, 2024
Rating as a story rather than religious history: Very boring, lacks emotion or depth of thought, and the palette is just *too* blue.
Rating as religious history: What a nice way to revisit the origin of Buddhism, but still has more aspects of a textbook than a graphic novel.
Rating as religious history: What a nice way to revisit the origin of Buddhism, but still has more aspects of a textbook than a graphic novel.
February 9, 2025
Gave context to the words. The first things written about the Buddha were 400 years after his death. I really enjoyed the way this visual art adds to the discoveries in truths the Enlightened One left for us all.
May 13, 2025
this was good, but nothing special. i love a good palette cleanser. especially comics every once in a while. just cause they are such an ez read. the book was interesting but not a topic i would usually go for
June 15, 2025
Not the way I would have written it, but the way I would have written it might not get published. He got the name of the first teacher right, and the two merchants who are the first people to get teachings.
September 29, 2023
Fictionalized graphic biography of the Buddha. Really well-done.
October 6, 2023
I enjoyed seeing this side of the historical Siddhartha and his life "before."
October 11, 2023
Very well done.
October 15, 2023
Very accessible and straightforward telling of the Buddha's life in the form of a really chilled graphic novel.
October 25, 2023
A graphic novel adaptation of the life of Siddhartha, and a primer on Buddhist thought. Very well written, great illustrations, and I especially liked the limited color palette.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews