‘Buddha – a story of Enlightenment’ by Deepak Chopra

I recently read a book titled ‘Buddha – a story of Enlightenment’ by Deepak Chopra. Well, before I say anything about the book, I must tell you that I have never read anything about Buddha before. I had definitely heard of him, but never really knew what he promoted.

And so, with little knowledge of what was about to come, I started to read.

Beginning with the technicality, the book is divided into 3 sections, his life as a prince in the kingdom of Kapilavatsu, his life as an ascetic and then the enlightenment. I have believed in God all my life. This book changed everything. I have been intrigued.

Buddha literally means ‘The Enlightened One’. That is free from thoughts, free from any misgivings, freedom from suffering. He experiences no pain, no grief, no sadness, no anger, and no jealousy. And Deepak Chopra goes as far as saying ‘Freedom from Karma’.

Buddha also says that suffering is universal. All beings that take birth have to suffer, and eventually die. And if suffering is universal, then what purpose is served by God? Why is he intent on making people suffer? Is there really an end to all this?

Buddha says freedom from karma is really freedom from everything. The real moksh. Once the cycle of karma stops, you achieve moksh. But how do you stop your karma? This book has tried to explain it, but I think its a frugal attempt at that. Stopping karma is like stopping time itself. It’s a state of self-realisation where you are aware of nothing, and yet everything. You stop your karma, and you stop making any mistakes. Your paap and punya account stops. You are free from the life-cycle of birth and rebirth. You are one with him. You transform into Buddha!

This book opens up a great new outlook on life, new meaning to things and a throws some light on the teachings of Buddha. This book has intrigued me on his teachings, and I plan to read more books on Buddha.