The story of the Buddha for children

Prince Siddhartha

The life story of the Buddha
Author: Ranjan Perera
An author publication

Reviewed by Wishwaranee Nagahawatte

Prince Siddhartha is a story book for children. In simple language and flowing narrative the author tells the story of Prince Siddhartha's spiritual odyssey from north in the Sakya Kingdom, Kapilavasthu through six long years of seeking the true nature of life, and a way out of suffering or all living beings: the triumphant breakthrough into Samma Sambudhahood at Buddha Gaya: 45 years of teaching His liberating Dhamma throughout the land; on to the final peaceful end (Parinibbana) at Kusinara.

The ancient tale comes alive with beautiful pictures. It is indeed a magic carpet ride through time and space for the child-reader.

Biographical material has been carefully selected and is soberely presented to children of this modern, scientific and technological age. Yet it is a comprehensive and authentic account of the life of the Buddha.

Children's books in Buddhism are a rarity in English. The author should be commended for his publication which meets a long-felt need for a Buddha Charithaya like this, lavishly illustrated, and imaginatively retold.

Given the level of English language ability of our children this book should be within the range of GCE O/L and A/L students, and young schoolleavers. Prince Siddhartha is an ideal text for international schools.

This is not only a life story of the Buddha, salient features of the Dhamma are deftly woven into the narrative.

A noteworthy feature is the tabular presentation, easy to read and remember, of the Four Noble Truths, the essence of His Teaching. The neat balance of story and Dhamma is calculated to engage both hearts and minds of children.

The inclusion of some Pali terms in the text would have greatly enhanced the knowledge base of young students.

The writer expresses his confidence that the noble qualities of the Buddha, highlighted by him will inspire children to acquire good Buddhist values, and grow up into useful members of society.

His Praiseworthy aspirations should be more than realised through the spiritually evocative paintings, and the skillfully presented text.

Ranjan Perera is no stranger to juvenile readers. He has written Aesop's Fables (Sinhala) Vol. 1,2,3 The Happy Prince, and Lama Love Rasakatha.

They have been read by children for nearly two decades. I think they will accept, Prince Siddhartha, with enthusiasm.

As a retired Dhamma teacher at CMS Ladies’ College and Vajiraramaya Daham Pasala I should like to recommend this publication to teachers of Buddhism in English, in schools and temples.

For parents who wish to introduce their offspring to the Buddha, and His Benign Dhamma, I can think of no better book than this.

Reading aloud to little ones who cannot read for themselves will surely be a happy experience for parent and child.

Though an accountant, Ranjan Perera is a successful author of many books, among them, Beyond the Words, Lives of Great Men (Sinhala) and Aesop's Fables.

His latest effort, Prince Siddhartha, is printed on high quality paper, with glossy colour pictures. Visually attractive, and rich in content it is moderately priced.