Oct. 26 “Buddha” by Osamu Tezuka

     "Buddha" by Osamu Tezuka is very focused on the long journey of Siddhartha, and enlightenment. Many other things are discussed and added as well that really give the story a humorous concept. Buddhism, as I know, holds the fact that, for its followers, that life is full of suffering caused by desire and that the only way to end this suffering is is through enlightenment, which enables one to halt the endless sequence of births and deaths. This comic presents a world strictly on this law but as well creates a fictional and realistic world. Not being Buddhist, I have very limited knowledge of this concept. Whatever the author's intentions, some parts of the story become highly formal in respect for Buddhism and some not. The author does seem to think very highly of Buddha and his teachings but continuously throws out jokes that play on his teachings and his life, to make it more enjoyable. For example, referring to the scene where the young, gifted boy Tatta, turns into a tiger to save Chapra's mother, at one moment becomes a serious and terrifying moment, but then becomes slightly humorous one when we see Tatta smiling happily as he returns Chapra's mother back to him safely. It tends to poke some fun here and there of the concept of Buddhism which I think even Buddhist followers would find undoubtedly funny. Mixing faith and fantasy, and adding these wonderful and quirky characters, adds to the religious story an interesting, funny and still serious, tale of the journey of enlightenment.