What do you think?
Rate this book
Buddha
Every man faces seven enemies in his lifetime. Sickness, hunger, betrayal, envy, greed, old age, and then death..." • A unique and enlightening series. • Experience journey of a man, his quest to seek the universal truth, to unlock the mysteries of universe and witness the transformation of Siddhartha to BUDDHA • The series which began in September 1972 and ended in December 1983, is one of Tezuka's last epic and greatest manga works. Buddha received the 2004 and 2005 Eisner Award(referred to as the Comics Industry's equivalent of the Oscar Awards). • Adapted into an animated movie as well in 2012 which was nominated for the 2012 Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year. About Author:- Osamu Tezuka (3 November 1928 - 9 February 1989 (aged 60)) was a Japanese cartoonist, animator, film producer, activist, and medical doctor who never practiced medicine. Born in Osaka Prefecture, he is best known as the creator of the comics series Astro Boy, Kimba the White Lion, Black Jack and Buddha. His prolific output, pioneering techniques, and innovative redefinitions of genres earned him such titles as "the father of manga", "the god of comics", and "kamisama of manga". Additionally, he is often credited as the "Godfather of Anime" and is considered the Japanese equivalent to Walt Disney, The Box Set includes Buddha Vol 1 Kapilvastu Buddha Vol 2 The Four Encounters Buddha Vol 3 Devadatta Buddha Vol 4 The Forest of Uruvela Buddha Vol 5 Deer Park Buddha Vol 6 Ananda Buddha Vol 7 Prince Ajatasattu Buddha Vol 8 Jetavana ISBN 9780007942480 Format 8 Volumes in Slipcase Genre Graphic Novel Imprint HarperCollins
3000 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
11 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Osamu Tezuka
2,145 books1,294 followersDr. Osamu Tezuka (手塚治虫) was a Japanese manga artist, animator, producer and medical doctor, although he never practiced medicine. Born in Osaka Prefecture, he is best known as the creator of Astro Boy and Kimba the White Lion. He is often credited as the "Father of Anime", and is often considered the Japanese equivalent to Walt Disney, who served as a major inspiration during his formative years. His prolific output, pioneering techniques, and innovative redefinitions of genres earned him such titles as "the father of manga" and "the God of Manga."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 1, 2017
Brilliant. Must read. Must own (or maybe not...?). Has changed my life.
November 14, 2016
My third graphic novel this year and who better to tell a story than the godfather of manga Osamu Tezuka himself. The master artist brings to life the... err, life, of Buddha using beautiful art and characters you can't forget. The series is in no way an actual account of what happened, this is a work of fiction, and frankly, it's not even the kind of manga I generally pick up to read but this series did win me over because of how captivating it was.
Edit: The best part are the quirky and adorable "guest appearances" and references. That just makes it more enjoyable.
Edit: The best part are the quirky and adorable "guest appearances" and references. That just makes it more enjoyable.
January 31, 2022
This is a life changer! Isn't it a wonder that a 50 year old can enjoy this great series of volumes along with his 9 year old?
I checked out the first and the last volumes of 8 from our local library because my son has been an avid reader of graphic novels, and also because of my interest in Buddha.
After a cursive look at the first volume, I passed it on to my son. I had found it too fantastical (transmutation of the soul to an animal?!)
Yet, I also picked up the fifth book in the series and gave it another shot, reading it slowly and with more attention. The exceptional art, the wonderful and detailed sketches of landscapes didn't hurt.
In the mean time, my son has read the first volume twice and was asking me to check out the second!
I did that soon enough and this time started from the beginning..
After a few weeks, we both read the whole series a couple of times.
I still check out a volume or two every once in a while and re-read and savor.
The eight books touch upon many facets of Buddha's life along with other historical and made up figures.
Give it a try if you can feel the curiosity of the inner child you harbor still. Any interest in Buddhism won't hurt either.
I checked out the first and the last volumes of 8 from our local library because my son has been an avid reader of graphic novels, and also because of my interest in Buddha.
After a cursive look at the first volume, I passed it on to my son. I had found it too fantastical (transmutation of the soul to an animal?!)
Yet, I also picked up the fifth book in the series and gave it another shot, reading it slowly and with more attention. The exceptional art, the wonderful and detailed sketches of landscapes didn't hurt.
In the mean time, my son has read the first volume twice and was asking me to check out the second!
I did that soon enough and this time started from the beginning..
After a few weeks, we both read the whole series a couple of times.
I still check out a volume or two every once in a while and re-read and savor.
The eight books touch upon many facets of Buddha's life along with other historical and made up figures.
Give it a try if you can feel the curiosity of the inner child you harbor still. Any interest in Buddhism won't hurt either.
January 8, 2024
I can see why Osamu Tezuka is considered the grandfather of manga. The storytelling was pretty loose and full of deviations, side-tracking and strange turns, but it ended up being a great way of showing the strange, fateful encounters of disparate peoples in the tangled web of life that was alluded to throughout the story. Some story-lines ended abruptly and some were beautifully played-out, but there was almost always a reason for it. Tezuka did an incredible job balancing light-hearted humour/cartoonish situations without avoiding the darker aspects of the human condition.
Though there are definitely flaws that some people mind find off-putting, I thought it was a pretty great series overall. I was also pretty happy to be able to randomly Google this or that phrase, concept or character and see that most of them were real aspects of Buddhism and its stories (I also hear Buddhist monasteries use this series to teach young followers), which means this is probably a pretty good primer for Buddhism in general. :D
Though there are definitely flaws that some people mind find off-putting, I thought it was a pretty great series overall. I was also pretty happy to be able to randomly Google this or that phrase, concept or character and see that most of them were real aspects of Buddhism and its stories (I also hear Buddhist monasteries use this series to teach young followers), which means this is probably a pretty good primer for Buddhism in general. :D
January 28, 2017
A monk's life is considered to be boring but Osamu Tezuka employs humor and wit to make Buddha's life more colorful. He has a unique way of keeping things simple without making them simplistic.
Buddhism, despite its flaws, is different from other religions. Instead of obsessing about the origins of life and the existence of God, it focuses on practical matters like the way to reduce suffering. Tezuka doesn't delve much into the Buddhist philosophy but he manages to create a sense of reverence towards The Buddha. I personally feel more connected to the universe after reading this wonderful series.
Buddhism, despite its flaws, is different from other religions. Instead of obsessing about the origins of life and the existence of God, it focuses on practical matters like the way to reduce suffering. Tezuka doesn't delve much into the Buddhist philosophy but he manages to create a sense of reverence towards The Buddha. I personally feel more connected to the universe after reading this wonderful series.
October 13, 2019
Pretty strongly fictionalized/interpreted in a unique way, so I wouldn't by any means consider this a canonical retelling of the Buddha's life, or the politics/society of Ancient India as per any Buddhist tradition. But it is still worth reading, and still is a worthwhile life narrative of Buddha as per a particular view of what Buddhism represents.
If youve read anything else by Osamu Tezuka theres a good chance you'll like this. It has his sort of humourous interjections which are very "old school manga" style, i.e. interjecting references to modernity or to other manga which don't make sense in the story, but are good for a 1 panel gag. Its largely a very serious story, but the comic elements do add something valuable to it.
Buddha himself is the main character of the story I suppose, but for huge stretches of it he is sort of put aside while other characters take centre stage. There are a number of main characters, each of which represents something discrete philosophically or psychologically.
The ancient Indian setting is pretty great though, and makes it more interesting. An exaggerated version of caste plays a big role in the book, and the kingdoms/groups it discusses were real historical things.
The series certainly made me more mindful of the virtue of compassion, and I think this is the best reason to read it.
If youve read anything else by Osamu Tezuka theres a good chance you'll like this. It has his sort of humourous interjections which are very "old school manga" style, i.e. interjecting references to modernity or to other manga which don't make sense in the story, but are good for a 1 panel gag. Its largely a very serious story, but the comic elements do add something valuable to it.
Buddha himself is the main character of the story I suppose, but for huge stretches of it he is sort of put aside while other characters take centre stage. There are a number of main characters, each of which represents something discrete philosophically or psychologically.
The ancient Indian setting is pretty great though, and makes it more interesting. An exaggerated version of caste plays a big role in the book, and the kingdoms/groups it discusses were real historical things.
The series certainly made me more mindful of the virtue of compassion, and I think this is the best reason to read it.
September 22, 2020
Whoever said that comics are not a form of art? Never thought a graphic novel (manga?) can be so deeply philosophical while being silly at the same time. The 8-volume tells a dramatised story of Siddharta from his birth in Kapilavastu, thorny journey towards enlightenment, up until his death; interspersed with parallel stories about the people surrounding him. Tezuka at his very best: dramatic moments (the tale of the stoic Asaji readily comes to mind as the most poignant in my opinion) mixed with anachronistic humour (one joke involving McDonalds really killed me lol), engaging storytelling, and open questions. Even if you don't like comics, give it a shot; I think it's worth it.
June 16, 2021
"we are all connected to each other"
"nobody on this earth is fortunate, everyone will die in the end"
Awesome Story with a hint of comedy and great hidden gems in it.
"nobody on this earth is fortunate, everyone will die in the end"
Awesome Story with a hint of comedy and great hidden gems in it.
May 10, 2020
I was surprised to know that one of the Godfathers of manga had created a work about Buddha. I went in with high expectations.
It still didn't disappoint.
Tezuka doesn't make the mistake of eulogising Buddha as if he were a flawless, faultless being. Many Indian historical books and movies fall easy prey to this mistake.
Prince Siddhartha in the story starts out as a weak sickly boy, unsure of himself, innocent of the gritty world around him. The choices that he makes are not what the typical hero makes, especially a hero from a shonen manga. He is not aching to become anybody.
Buddha's character development is fantastic. We see him grow from a helpless kid to a man of quiet wisdom. He guides every major character we encounter like the arrogant Prince Crystal of Kosala, or the bandit Tatta, encouraging them to rise above their hateful selves. Many times, Buddha's lessons are not enough, but everyone who listens to the Buddha is changed in someway.
Which brings me to the supporting characters. The story has brilliant, well-developed side characters.
In fact, we don't even see the Buddha in much of the first volume. It is fully dedicated to these supporting characters, giving a sense of ancient India and the troubles that people then must have faced. The most sympathetic of these characters is Chapra, a boy who is born a Shudra but is adopted by a higher caste Kosala general. Chapra's caste kept a secret. He is soon caught between his ambitions and the love for his lowborn mother. This forms one of the most emotional arcs in the story, and sets the scene for Buddha.
I also believe Tezuka has done considerable research into the history of that time. I was listening to the History of India podcast, and many events mentioned in the podcast also appear in this story, such as the fate of King Bimbisara. While I wouldn't call this manga historically accurate (there is magic in the story too), Tezuka has done a good job of adapting history into a sprawling narrative.
All in all, Tezuka's Buddha is perhaps the best story of Buddha that you could find in a work of fiction.
It still didn't disappoint.
Tezuka doesn't make the mistake of eulogising Buddha as if he were a flawless, faultless being. Many Indian historical books and movies fall easy prey to this mistake.
Prince Siddhartha in the story starts out as a weak sickly boy, unsure of himself, innocent of the gritty world around him. The choices that he makes are not what the typical hero makes, especially a hero from a shonen manga. He is not aching to become anybody.
Buddha's character development is fantastic. We see him grow from a helpless kid to a man of quiet wisdom. He guides every major character we encounter like the arrogant Prince Crystal of Kosala, or the bandit Tatta, encouraging them to rise above their hateful selves. Many times, Buddha's lessons are not enough, but everyone who listens to the Buddha is changed in someway.
Which brings me to the supporting characters. The story has brilliant, well-developed side characters.
In fact, we don't even see the Buddha in much of the first volume. It is fully dedicated to these supporting characters, giving a sense of ancient India and the troubles that people then must have faced. The most sympathetic of these characters is Chapra, a boy who is born a Shudra but is adopted by a higher caste Kosala general. Chapra's caste kept a secret. He is soon caught between his ambitions and the love for his lowborn mother. This forms one of the most emotional arcs in the story, and sets the scene for Buddha.
I also believe Tezuka has done considerable research into the history of that time. I was listening to the History of India podcast, and many events mentioned in the podcast also appear in this story, such as the fate of King Bimbisara. While I wouldn't call this manga historically accurate (there is magic in the story too), Tezuka has done a good job of adapting history into a sprawling narrative.
All in all, Tezuka's Buddha is perhaps the best story of Buddha that you could find in a work of fiction.
September 18, 2017
Less spiritual than I hoped, more thorough then I remember Siddhartha being, and all in all enjoyable.
There are topless women, but not sexualized, on every page and some violence. I am not sure why the former is there, perhaps this was done to accurately depict the time period? It doesn't seem necessary to me and makes it hard to share this book with younger readers. It seems more like a jokey history than a spiritual text. Not that that is bad, just not what I wanted
There are topless women, but not sexualized, on every page and some violence. I am not sure why the former is there, perhaps this was done to accurately depict the time period? It doesn't seem necessary to me and makes it hard to share this book with younger readers. It seems more like a jokey history than a spiritual text. Not that that is bad, just not what I wanted
November 17, 2020
This is the first-ever Manga I read. I was interested in learning more about Buddhism in terms of philosophy and the teachings of the Buddha, but not too diving in too deep into the world of jargon and theological debates. For me based on the little Buddhism I know, the set of books used the story as the backdrop didn't do any justice. The aspects of Buddhism that attract me are its pragmatism and the relative lack of superstition. The Manga had a lot of such legends and superstition, many of which possibly don't even figure in the original Buddhist canon. Here are a few instances: there is a literal gem-like thing that appears on Buddha's forehead when he achieves enlightenment. The Buddha goes into the soul of people and brings them back to health/saves them. There are other monks who prophesise the future perfectly.
The Manga is also not contemplative enough to show how Buddha arrived at his teachings. He is literally taught by a God (termed Brahman) who repeatedly visits Buddha multiple times exhorting him to become a monk.
The Manga is supposed to be highly rated for Tezuka's illustrations, humourous storyline with many anachronistic pop-culture references. Again, I couldn't really appreciate it. It was par for the course and nothing extra-ordinary. I could sense the makings of an epic saga stretching across years, but they simply weren't satisfying enough, with mumbo-jumbo often getting in the way - One of the characters, Ananda (one of Buddha's dearest disciples) has a devil who keeps protecting him. He, of course, meets the Buddha later and becomes his disciple.
The Manga is also not contemplative enough to show how Buddha arrived at his teachings. He is literally taught by a God (termed Brahman) who repeatedly visits Buddha multiple times exhorting him to become a monk.
The Manga is supposed to be highly rated for Tezuka's illustrations, humourous storyline with many anachronistic pop-culture references. Again, I couldn't really appreciate it. It was par for the course and nothing extra-ordinary. I could sense the makings of an epic saga stretching across years, but they simply weren't satisfying enough, with mumbo-jumbo often getting in the way - One of the characters, Ananda (one of Buddha's dearest disciples) has a devil who keeps protecting him. He, of course, meets the Buddha later and becomes his disciple.
March 14, 2024
The 8 volume creation by Tezuka is both excellent storytelling and an immersive art experience. The number of tiny stories woven in, along with multiple characters, their growth journey is fantastic. It felt an equivalent to Ramayana or Mahabharata is some ways, with him encountering many people and collecting/creating stories on the way.
The most challenging part I imagine would have to communicate the idea of enlightenment without under or overselling it. Tezuka did justice. He also managed to not sell Buddha as a god, but rather as an enlightened human being who could help everyone get on the same path.
Amongst other things, its an easy and fun read and a great accompaniment to busy days.
The most challenging part I imagine would have to communicate the idea of enlightenment without under or overselling it. Tezuka did justice. He also managed to not sell Buddha as a god, but rather as an enlightened human being who could help everyone get on the same path.
Amongst other things, its an easy and fun read and a great accompaniment to busy days.
January 31, 2023
I got teary eyed by the end of it. Such a beautiful dipiction of Buddha's life. Loved the funny tid-bits in between. I'm sure this mange series made Buddhism accessible to a lot of people. Brilliant storyline, you can't help but root for the characters and feel for them. And the real teachings of Buddha of compassion, equality and helping everyone are relavant and much needed now than probably ever before. This has motivated me to read about Buddha's life more seriously.
February 28, 2024
It is an extraordinary work from the master of manga. A wonderful, well-woven tale, spiced with interesting characters, discusses the philosophy of life and its meaning, supported by great visuals. What more do you expect? Trust me. The book will never disappoint you.
Why waiting? Buckle up. Tezuka is ready to take you on the ride of your lifetime.
To read whole article about experience read here - https://rrameshbtech.github.io/review...
Why waiting? Buckle up. Tezuka is ready to take you on the ride of your lifetime.
To read whole article about experience read here - https://rrameshbtech.github.io/review...
October 13, 2023
Very creative, love the mix of modern in an ancient retelling. Good for someone who wants to dive through the Buddha's life in some form. Maybe not, if you just want a fun read. As due to the differing norms and time, can get tedious. Reread the first 2 recently.
August 16, 2018
There isn't one single page that bore me out in reading about Siddhartha Gautama's journey to become Buddha. Tezuka managed to depict Buddha's life very human with all of his struggles and feelings.
December 13, 2023
A great telling of the Buddha story with the fantastic art of the genius behind Astro Boy
June 11, 2024
masterpiece. Powerful, moving, and spiritually undressing. Only slightly kinky
February 1, 2025
? Best manga Ive ever read ?
January 11, 2026
Siddhartha Gautama’s journey is filled with absurdities and contradictions—wandering through a world that questions every step. Humour emerges not only in the occasional comic relief but in the very contradictions of human existence: the search for enlightenment amid suffering, wealth, and power. Siddhartha’s quest is one for personal liberation, but his insights often lead to a collective questioning of societal norms. The novel critiques the systems of hierarchy, wealth, and control that stifle true spiritual progress.
The teachings of Buddha challenge us to confront our desires and attachments, seeking wisdom through detachment and calm acceptance. The story invites readers to engage deeply with the idea that pain, loss, and suffering are not to be feared but understood as natural parts of the human condition.
Siddhartha’s connection to nature is deeply profound. His insights into impermanence and interconnectedness resonate —embracing nature not as a resource to exploit, but as a fundamental teacher of life’s rhythms. Every tree, river, and animal is part of the cosmic dance, and Buddha’s empathy encompasses all living beings.
The teachings of Buddha challenge us to confront our desires and attachments, seeking wisdom through detachment and calm acceptance. The story invites readers to engage deeply with the idea that pain, loss, and suffering are not to be feared but understood as natural parts of the human condition.
Siddhartha’s connection to nature is deeply profound. His insights into impermanence and interconnectedness resonate —embracing nature not as a resource to exploit, but as a fundamental teacher of life’s rhythms. Every tree, river, and animal is part of the cosmic dance, and Buddha’s empathy encompasses all living beings.
September 22, 2016
This is a beautiful, epic, fictional narrative about Buddha.
It chronicles the life of Siddartha, from beginning to end. In telling the tale, it illustrates a number of key Buddhist teachings.
For example, the story spans multiple kingdoms and generations of characters. The long term effects of these characters and stories often cascade unpredictably, highlighting the interconnectedness of life.
Similarly, characters go through numerous ups and downs, with many dying, emphasizing impermanence.
The one constant in everyone's lives though is suffering, regardless of gender, age, or rank.
Those familiar with Buddhism, may note that the above list the three marks of existence, dukkha, impermanence, and non-self.
This is an incredibly moving tale about the sanctity and impermanence of life.
It chronicles the life of Siddartha, from beginning to end. In telling the tale, it illustrates a number of key Buddhist teachings.
For example, the story spans multiple kingdoms and generations of characters. The long term effects of these characters and stories often cascade unpredictably, highlighting the interconnectedness of life.
Similarly, characters go through numerous ups and downs, with many dying, emphasizing impermanence.
The one constant in everyone's lives though is suffering, regardless of gender, age, or rank.
Those familiar with Buddhism, may note that the above list the three marks of existence, dukkha, impermanence, and non-self.
This is an incredibly moving tale about the sanctity and impermanence of life.
May 9, 2016
Awwwww
December 21, 2022
Wonderful work
June 12, 2024
A ride with some wild turns, but also it’s clearly a masterwork.
April 30, 2015
A quirky look at Buddha's life.
April 17, 2017
Obviously a masterpiece. For anyone who'd spend a few afternoons with literary manga, this is definitely a brilliant effort, showing what the format is capable of. Aesthetically impressive, and the story keeps moving. Quite a few small funny asides, but the main Buddha biography/story remains central.
Take care not to become buddhist by the end of it (might not be a bad thing though)
Take care not to become buddhist by the end of it (might not be a bad thing though)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews