The bandit wore a gruesome garland of fingers of the men he had killed. As his garland of fingers grew longer strong men cowered in fright. The bandit was invincible - until he met a gentle monk - Buddha. Thus darkness came face to face with light and at last the restless bandit found peace.
So this was...unexpected. The story of Angulimala that I remember watching on TV was quite different from this one. This is surprising, since as per my knowledge, ACK stories are most authentic, so now I will be googling to find out which story came from where.
Does it age well? Well, there is not much to complaint about how it ages, but the message that it gives, that you can let go of all of your sins like this, I'm not sure what exactly I think about it. But that's a personal opinion.
Anyway, like any other kids' book, do give it a read before giving it to a child.
Was reading this on the amar chitra katha app with my daughter. I remember this from my own childhood and was thrilled to see the layers of complex issues raised in this text. It is a straightforward tale of Buddhist values, but even secular readers can find a lot of meaning in the tale about the idea of responsibility.
I didnt know that he was a revered scholar before he turned a rogue robber and murderer. Again, news to me that he was killed by mob after he becamea. monk for his past deeds. At least all his karma got used by in one birth, but begs the question, why? why this play? also is our life so pre-destined? is there no escape?