The Life of the Buddha

(Hardback)

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Description

"In the full bloom of spring, in a beautiful garden, in a place called Lumbini, a prince was born." So begins the extraordinary story of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the prince who would become the enlightened Buddha, the awakened one. This classic tale follows Prince Siddhartha's journey of truth-seeking and discovery, including his life-altering encounters with human suffering and his realization of the Four Noble Truths. Today, millions of people all over the world follow the Buddha's teachings on meditation, selflessness, and compassion. Rendered here in exquisite original watercolor illustrations, this inspiring story is brought to life for young readers curious about one of history's most monumental and influential figures.

Reviews

This picture book will serve families seeking to share their own Buddhist faith and practice with children as well as independent readers researching spiritual practices. A succinct, beautifully crafted documentation of the origin of Buddhism.Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

In The Life of the Buddha, Tara di Gesu's enchanting illustrations make the perfect complement to Heather Sanche's illuminating words so young readers can absorb the inspiration of the Buddha's life story. I hope many children as well as big kids like me will enjoy reading it and carry the Buddha's example of love and understanding in their hearts.Avikrita Vajra Sakya, author of Wake Up to What Matters

We have far too few Buddhist books for children. In that regard, the negligence of Buddhist teachers like myself is utterly embarrassing. So this beautiful childrens book on the life of the Buddha by Heather Sanche and Tara Di Gesu is very welcome indeed.Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, author of The Guru Drinks Bourbon and Living Is Dying

Tara di Gesus richly colored, detailed illustrations match the gentle, tender tone of the writing. Some of the art is worthy of printing in large wall-poster format. Heather Sanche frames Siddharthas journey in psychological, social, and spiritual termsa realistic approach that elides mythological elements and takes some liberties with the traditional narrative. Still, the text provides essential teachings in accessible ways that will prompt young readers to ask good questions.Tricycle

Author Bio

HEATHER SANCHE has more than 20 years' teaching experience in a wide variety of cultures and settings. She holds an undergraduate degree in contemplative early childhood education from Naropa University and a post graduate diploma in intercultural and cross-cultural education and training from the University of Victoria, British Columbia. She was a Khyentse Foundation committee member for education and authored several articles about contemplative approaches to education and parenting for Buddhist Door International. TARA DI GESU began painting at a young age. While living in Nepal, she found the brilliant traditional Tibetan artist Jamyang Gyatso, who specialized in thangkha painting, and quickly became inspired to study with him. She continued her studies first at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and then at the Naropa Institute. While her paintings remain essentially faithful to the Tibetan tradition she trained in, Tara has gently shifted the stylistic emphasis and brings the fresh, ethereal quality in her work that makes her paintings unique.