Buddha 2: The Four Encounters

Osama Tezuka is a legend, often called "Japan's greatest cartoonist." He is worthy of this praise. His detailed black and white drawings are moving, vivid and cinematic. In this wonderful volume, he tells the tale of young Siddharta, a prince born into wealth and leisure, who struggles to determine the meaning of his existence. Despite the philosophical depth of the book, Tezuka is able to keep the action moving. His art is so engaging that it appears to move on the page. The secret to Osama Tezuka's power is his story-telling ability. His tales are like the Arabian Nights fables, stories within stories within stories. He astounds readers by his raw story-telling finesse. Throughout all of his work, he advances themes of environmentalism, the dangers of modern society, redemption, and the simplicity of Buddhism. What is remarkable is he is able to do this while entertaining; as readers, we become spellbound by his picture-perfect drawings and fantastical settings. Even though this second volume of Buddha is largely expository in nature as he lays the foundation for future volumes, it is more engaging than most graphic novels. Even if you are not a fan of Japanese manga, try this one; Tezuka may win you over.

This second volume of "Buddha" is much more centered on Siddhartha (the Buddha). We explore his childhood and early years as prince. Being an often restless, disobedient, child Siddhartha leaves the castle. Along with Tatta, who we met in the last book, Siddhartha learns of the suffering, disease, and death of the outside world, that he has been guarded against. Faced with a fear of death, Siddhartha must choose between his duties as future king, or to follow a path to enlightenment. Even as he debates with himself, he adds the burden of a wife. Who must also be left behind if he wishes to leave to find enlightenment and the meaning of life. Tezuka adds to what he had started in the first volume, and begins new stories to be carried forward.

More of the story of young Sidhartha struggling with his posh prince place in a strongly caste system, and his fear of death and suffering. An 'enlightened' Sidartha fights against the caste system, which is paramount to treason, and slowly learns his true place in all things.

This second volume exceeds its predecessor in terms of overall power. Unlike Volume One, the character of Siddhartha is squarely in the center of this work, and Tezuka does a great job in making this character likeable and human, steering far clear of pious platitudes and stock situations. While ending with the death of Bandaka and the rushed birth of his son, Devadetta, the future nemesis of the Buddha, this Volume both delights and entertains.

Our family read this book and it's companion, Kapilavastu, cover-to-cover, just about non-stop. They were both totally engaging.As a Buddhist, I was wondering what this treatment of the Buddha's life would be like. This is my first exposure to manga style. My only reference point is comic books. I had enjoyed another "comic book," illustrated treatment of the life of a Buddhist saint, Milarepa. That was well done. I very much wanted a book that would capture the interest of my two children, 10 and 14 years old. It did. My 14 year old read the book in two days. My 10 year old and I read it aloud together. What is facinating is the way the author creates the historical context using a mixture of historical figures and people of his own imagination. We are given an insight to the caste system of ancient India and the stage is set for the Buddha's questions about suffering, it's origins, and his strong desire to put an end to suffering. I'd say that this is appropriate for 9 year olds and up. For adults: my wife and I kept reading ahead. It is captivating. It has the air of an adventure story. I also enjoyed explaining and discussing the context of the story with my children. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.