Enlightened

by Sachi Ediriweera, Sachi Ediriweera (Illustrator)

Overview

A spirited young prince longing to learn more about the world grows into a man on a quest to find the cause of human suffering in this first-of-its-kind graphic novel retelling of the life of Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism.

Prince Siddhartha lives in a beautiful palace in the heart of Kapilavastu. His father, the king, ensures that he has the best of everything—he just can’t go outside. He is locked up away from the city, away from anything that might cause him pain. He knows nothing of illness, aging, sorrow, or death, yet Siddhartha feels the pain regardless, and it instills a burning curiosity to understand the world outside—and the nature of human suffering.

Based on the life of the real man who was known first as a prince, then as a monk, and now as the Gautama Buddha, Enlightened is about one boy’s quest to learn the truth that underpins our endless struggle against suffering—and in understanding, break the cyclic existence that perpetuates it.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781665903110
Publisher:	Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	09/26/2023
Pages:	304
Sales rank:	496,928
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	12 - 18 Years

About the Author

Sachi Ediriweera is an accomplished designer, filmmaker, and comic book artist. He is the writer and artist of the graphic novels Lionborn, which was the first English language graphic novel produced in Sri Lanka, and Enlightened. Apart from his design and illustration work, he has also built a career in filmmaking as a writer, producer, and director of acclaimed short films that have screened in numerous film festivals around the world. When he’s not drawing or writing his third-act plot twist, Sachi enjoys reading art books and comics, eating pizza, and overthinking cosplay ideas for comic cons. He divides his time between Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Dubai.

Sachi Ediriweera is an accomplished designer, filmmaker, and comic book artist. He is the writer and artist of the graphic novels Lionborn, which was the first English language graphic novel produced in Sri Lanka, and Enlightened. Apart from his design and illustration work, he has also built a career in filmmaking as a writer, producer, and director of acclaimed short films that have screened in numerous film festivals around the world. When he’s not drawing or writing his third-act plot twist, Sachi enjoys reading art books and comics, eating pizza, and overthinking cosplay ideas for comic cons. He divides his time between Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Dubai.

Editorial Reviews

07/10/2023

Siddhartha’s metamorphosis from crown prince to the founder of Buddhism propels this straightforward graphic novel debut. In monochromatic blues, blacks, and whites with terra-cotta accents, Ediriweera showcases teenage Siddhartha, the son of King Suddhodana of Kapilavastu, who is trapped both mentally and physically by his royal responsibilities (“How can I be the king... if I’m not even allowed to visit the city?”). When Siddhartha attempts to escape the palace, he’s intercepted by his father’s chief adviser, who guides him through the city. There, Siddhartha meets elderly and sick residents, and for the first time comes face-to-face with the concept of death. He also encounters a bald, robed monk who Siddhartha learns “is on a journey for peace of mind,” information that plants an inquisitive seed within him. As he grows older, Siddhartha wonders, “Is this feeling of emptiness all I will have... the rest of my life?” He soon departs Kapilavastu to uncover “the truths of this world.” Bold linework and clean-cut panels depict Siddhartha’s struggle to reconcile the suffering of society beyond his privileged upbringing in this practical history of Buddhism, a philosophical primer. Siddhartha cues as South Asian; background characters appear racially diverse. Ages 12–up. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

"Enlightened will be a wonderful introduction to both Buddhism and the Buddha to readers. This book belongs on any shelf that embraces and celebrates the wonderful spiritual diversity of our world."

Thush Ponweera

"An incredible exploration of the origins of Buddhism, delving into the life of Siddhartha and what pushed him to seek out answers about the world. This graphic novel is beautifully illustrated and adapted to give anyone interested a great gateway into learning more about other teachings and religions."

Stephanie Cooke

12/15/2023

Gr 6 Up—A graphic novel retelling of the early life of Siddartha, who would become Buddha. Young Siddartha is the prince of Kapilavastu, living in a beautiful but closed off castle. He longs to explore the world outside of the palace's walls, but with the intention to protect his son, the king prohibits Siddartha from going out. Surrounded by wealth while also being secluded takes a toll on the prince, and despite marrying Princess Yashodara and having a son, Siddartha leaves the castle at night with one goal: to understand the truth about suffering. On his wandering path, he becomes ordained to become a monk, and subsequently reaches enlightenment. This graphic novel adaptation is well illustrated, with soothing tones and imagery. Readers unfamiliar with Buddha's teaching will get a glimpse into the four noble truths and eight paths. This book makes Buddhism accessible to all. VERDICT A good purchase for libraries looking to diversify their religious collections.—Carol Youssif

School Library Journal

2023-06-08
A fictionalized graphic biography of Siddhartha, from sheltered prince to founder of Buddhism.

Readers meet young Siddhartha as a boy shielded from the outside world by his father, a king who fears the negative influences of the world and seeks to protect his son from pain. Siddhartha’s compassion for an injured swan sets the tone for a life of kindness and determination. Though living within the protected walls of a palace, young Siddhartha remains curious about the world. Unsatisfied by the imposed separation from the people he will one day serve as king, he disguises himself and sneaks into the city. There, he witnesses harsh realities that change his perspective, fueling his quest for understanding. Even meeting Yashodara, the princess he later marries, doesn’t quell his concerns about the world, suffering, and impermanence. Siddhartha leaves the safety of home to join a teacher, following a spiritual path of meditation and restraint. After six years, he realizes neither indulgence nor denial provide clarity. Once he grasps the relationship between desire and suffering, Siddhartha’s path to enlightenment unfolds in flowing images of the eightfold path. The Awakened One inspires disciples and returns home, not as king but spiritual leader. The book conveys complex concepts in an accessible way and will appeal to readers who are curious about the origins of Buddhism. Ediriweera’s atmospheric illustrations include monochromatic, soothing blue watercolor-style backgrounds, and single-color accents of brown and orange highlight the crisp linework.

Vividly rendered. (further reading, developmental sketches) (Graphic historical fiction. 12-18)

Kirkus Reviews

"Refreshing and meditative, this is an illuminating biography of the man and teacher, Guatuama Buddha."

Nidhi Chanani

"A heartfelt and accessible coming-of-age story about finding and understanding one's place in the world. That it's about the the Guatama Buddha makes it all the more engaging and relevant."

Jim Ottaviani

" A beautifully drawn, well-paced, inspiring work."

Chris Samnee