ISBN: 9780007251636    Publisher: HarperCollins Publisher Year of publishing: 2011     Format:  Paperback Language: English

The eighth book in the classic eight volume graphic novel series retelling the story of Buddha, from the godfather of the genre. In book eight, Buddha finally travels home to Kapiluvastu to teach and inspire more followers. There, in the beautiful garden of Jetavana, he explains the original parable of the self-immolating rabbit and reveals the keystone of his philosophy. Originated in the 1970s, the 'Buddha' series is Osamu Tezuka's unparalleled rendition of the life and times of Prince Siddhartha. Tezuka's storytelling genius and consummate skill at visual expression blossom fully as he contextualizes the Buddha's ideas; with an emphasis on, action, emotion, humour and conflict as Prince Siddhartha runs away from home, travels across India and questions Hindu practices such as ascetic self-mutilation and caste oppression. Rather than recommend resignation and impassivity, Tezuka's Buddha predicates enlightenment upon recognizing the interconnectedness of life, having compassion for the suffering, and ordering one's life sensibly, his approach is slightly irreverent in that it incorporates something that Western commentators often eschew, namely, humour.
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Osamu Tezuka (1928-89) is the godfather of Japanese graphic novels. A genuine intellectual, deeply familiar with Western culture from the Bible to Goethe to Hollywood, Tezuka originally intended to become a doctor and received an M.D. Though many have followed his example, it is still Tezuka who draws the deepest awe with his sweeping vision, deftly intertwined plots, persuasive characters, feel for the workings of power, and above all, an indefatigable commitment to human dignity and the sanctity of life.
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