Buddha 4: The Forest of Uruvela

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 continues the tale of young Siddhartha; he becomes Buddha, and achieves enlightenment. This is the first of the "Buddha" tales in which Tezuka begins to make Buddhist thought a central part of the story and he accomplishes this elegantly and subtly. This story reaches its crescendo when Buddha says "Like trees, grass, hills and streams, humans exist, as part of nature, so there is some purpose for which we live... tied to all that is! If you did not exst, some thing would go awry. You, too, play a crucial part!" What is remarkable is he is able to do this while entertaining; as readers, we become spellbound by his picture-perfect drawings. His full page landscapes, although in black and white line drawing, are mesmerizing and captivating. Even if you are not a fan of Japanese manga, try this one; Tezuka may win you over.

So far this is the best of the series. This volume brings us the image of the Buddha that most are familiar with, that of him meditating under a tree. The messages of Buddhism are shown through the actions of the characters, not just recited to us. Siddhartha enters a forest in which many enter to under go ordeals. These are nothing more then self-induced suffering, including pain and starvation. He draws his own conclusions about the value of suffering, and learns that not all people that enter the forest do so for pure intentions. Siddhartha learns that humans are not life, but are a part of the life force that is present in all living beings. And also that, everyone suffers, each person's suffering does not makes one above or below any other. This volume gives us insight that can enrich ones life, not just a story.

When I was first assigned to read this graphic novel, I was very skeptical. I had always looked with disdain upon such media, thinking them very suitable for light entertainment but unable to convey anything meaningful. I was wrong. Those familiar with the story of Buddha will find this very different from what they learned. A whole new cast of characters is introduced to embellish the tale, such as Yatala the giant slave, the Crystal Prince, and Tatta and Migaila, two reformed bandits. Familiar characters are also enhanced. Sujata plays a much larger role than simply offering him milk, and Brahma himself even makes an appearance. Throughout the book, Tezuka does not forget that this is first of all a comic. There are plenty of moments of comic relief, including baseball references and author self-insertion. Despite the threat of death ever looming over the plot, the reader is constantly smiling at the characters' antics. The Forest of Uruvela, in the end, is a stunning display of artistry that perfectly captures Buddha's moment of Enlightenment and shows clearly why Tezuka is consider the godfather of Japanese comics.

I am Buddhist, so I may have a biased opinion about this series. I honestly am not a big comic book/manga fan, but this series caught my interest. I ended up buying the whole 8 book series and very much enjoyed reading them. These books are not for young children, as there is definitely adult themes, language and drawings of violence and sex in them. These books are not for people looking for serious Buddhist dialogue either, but they are fun and a new and interesting way to view the life of the Buddha. I originally got them for myself and will keep them to share with my children when they get in the mid to late teens. They are worth a read and I recommend them to all interested in the Buddha's life, but from a fresh and not so serious point of view.

I am by no means a manga expert, which is probably just the kind of person this book would appeal to. This series was written in the seventies and is now reintroduced to the English-speaking public with a new translation. This is an example of exactly the kind of story that lends itsself so well to "comics". It's amazing how much meaning and emotion can be captured through these beautifully simplified drawings. You can read this as an adult and enjoy it, but teenagers, even little children can understand it (unless you're offended by cartoon boobies) This fourth book is a must have if you have any of the others. It culminates with a very important part of Siddhartha's life, and makes me all the more excited to read the 5th and 6th book!