Author

Ashvaghosha

8 key ideas, each explained in our own words.

Buddhacharita

IDEA 1
A poet's life of the Buddha
The Buddhacharita is an early Sanskrit epic poem by Ashvaghosha telling the life of the Buddha. It uses the rich language of classical poetry to make the Buddha's story moving and memorable for readers.
IDEA 2
A prince is born, foretold
The poem describes the birth of Prince Siddhartha at Lumbini. A sage named Asita weeps when he sees the baby, explaining that the child will become a great teacher, but the sage will not live to hear him.
IDEA 3
His father surrounds him with pleasure
Fearing his son will renounce the world, King Shuddhodana keeps him in luxury, shielded from suffering. The poem shows that comfort cannot satisfy a mind searching for deeper truth. Luxury only deepens his restlessness.

Go deeper with AshvaghoshaAsk questions, argue with the ideas and practise using them, free.