100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Overnight NZ-wide delivery on in-stock orders 🚀

Lives: Buddha

Series: LIVES
3.91 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 5,633 ratings, 516 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Lives: Buddha by Karen Armstrong explores the life and legacy of Siddhatta Gotama, the founder of Buddhism. The book traces his journey from his privileged birth in the fifth century BC, through his renunciation of worldly life, to his enlightenment under the Banyan tree. Armstrong skillfully blends historical facts with ancient myth to narrate key moments, including Buddha's political influence, the schisms among his followers, and his peaceful death. The work also introduces the core principles of Buddhism, revealing its enduring relevance in addressing modern secular anxieties through teachings on selflessness and simplicity.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock

Sorry, we're currently out of stock of Lives: Buddha. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in religion, spirituality, and philosophy, especially those seeking a clear and engaging introduction to Buddhism and its founder. It suits both newcomers to the subject and those looking to deepen their understanding of religious thought.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A superb introduction to the life and thought of a revolutionary spiritual thinker.
'Karen Armstrong has been one of the most persistent and powerful voices in the eminently respectable task of popularising religious scholarship in the anglophone world' GUARDIAN

Karen Armstrong is a best-selling author She has a high media profile and is one of the world's greatest authorities on religious affairs BUDDHA was on the NEW YORK TIMES bestseller list for five weeks Karen Armstrong is the author of the worldwide best-seller, A HISTORY OF GOD, which has now appeared in more than thirty languages 'This concise but admirably comprehensive study...Armstrong picks her way through this metaphysical minefield with commendable clarity. She makes an impressive job of marshalling her resources' LITERARY REVIEW 'A fascinating book...It is hard to imagine a clearer, more concise or more authoritative introduction to one of the world's most influential (yet shadowy) spiritual figures' THE TIMES

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Buddhism is a faith that commands over 100 million followers throughout the world. Buddha revolutionised the religious ideas of his time to advocate a new way of living. All that is known about him comes from a collection of ancient writings that fuse history, biography, and myth.

Karen Armstrong distils from these the key events of Buddha's life: his birth as Siddhatta Gotama in the fifth century BC and his abandonment of his wife and son; his attainment of enlightenment under the Banyan tree; his political influence; the divisions among his followers; and his serene death. Armstrong also introduces the key tenets of Buddhism.

In our own age of secular anxiety, she shows that it has profound lessons to teach about selflessness and the simple life.

Series: LIVES

View all
  • Andy Warhol
    ‘Properly analytical ... always entertaining’ TIME OUT ‘Should tempt both those generally familiar with Andy Warhol and, even more, young people who have trouble imagining how popular art can challenge the status quo’ L A TIMES Painter, filmmaker, photographer, philosopher, all-round celebrity, Andy Warhol is an outstanding cultural icon. He revolutionised art by bringing to it images from popular culture—such...
    Paperback
    $2799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Karen Armstrong is praised for bridging the gap between academic theology and general readers, offering a broad and accessible narrative. Reviews from The Guardian note her ability to connect scholarly ideas with a public audience, while TLS recognises her as a persistent and powerful voice in popularising religious scholarship over the past forty years.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780753813409

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 March 2002

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 199.0mm

Weight: 201g

Pages: 224

About the Author

Karen Armstrong spent seven years as a Roman Catholic nun, an experience she recollected in her two volumes of best-selling autobiography, Through the Narrow Gate and Beginning the World. She is the author of the world-wide best-seller, A History of God (which has now appeared in more than thirty languages), the acclaimed History of Jerusalem and, most recently, The Battle foe God. She is a teacher at the Leo Baeck College for the Study of Judaism and, in 1999, she received the Muslim Public Affairs Council Media Award.

Also by Karen Armstrong

View all
  • Islam
    Karen Armstrong's Islam offers a riveting exploration of one of the world's most prominent yet often misunderstood religions. Through her elegant prose and profound insights, Armstrong delves into the historical and cultural evolution of Islam, meticulously tracing its roots from the ancient traditions of Judaism and Christianity. Her narrative introduces us to the life and character of Muhammad, whom she...
    Paperback
    $3199
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Sacred Nature
    An urgent manifesto and a practical guide on how to rekindle our spiritual bond with nature, drawing on the wisdom of the world's religious traditions. In this hugely powerful book, Karen Armstrong argues that it isn't enough to change our behaviour to avert environmental catastrophe; we must rekindle our spiritual bond with the natural world. From gratitude and compassion to...
    Paperback
    $3299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A History of God
    A History of God by Karen Armstrong offers an enlightening and comprehensive exploration of the concept of a singular divine entity that has shaped much of human religious thought for over 4,000 years. This authoritative tome delves into the multifaceted evolution of the idea of God, Yahweh, Allah, and how this notion has influenced and been influenced by the cultures...
    Paperback
    $3499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Great Transformation
    The centuries between 800 and 300 BC saw an explosion of new religious concepts. Their emergence is second only to man's harnessing of fire in fundamentally transforming our understanding of what it is to be human. But why did Socrates, Buddha, Confucius, Jeremiah, Lao Tzu and others all emerge in this five-hundred-year span? And why do they have such similar...
    Paperback
    $3999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Case for God
    The Case for God by Karen Armstrong is a profound and enlightening exploration of the evolution of the concept of God and the crises that contemporary religion faces today. Armstrong, an acclaimed scholar of religion, embarks on an ambitious journey, tracing the history of faith from its earliest expressions in the Palaeolithic Age through to the present day. In doing...
    Paperback
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Battle for God
    Religious extremism stands as one of the most significant and challenging forces in the modern world, and understanding its roots and implications is essential. Karen Armstrong delves into this topic with The Battle for God, offering readers a nuanced exploration of fundamentalism across different eras and religions. This book traces the evolution and clashes between conservative pre-modern perspectives, which are...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Religion & Spirituality

View all
  • New Release
    2027 Witch's Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    From the bestselling authors of Spellcasting, which has now sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, comes the essential witchy journal to plan your days, harness magick, and connect with higher powers. Features include: 8" x 6" (8" x 12" open) Beautiful glossy gold gatefold cover Compact size, perfect to carry in your bag and keep on you throughout the day 12-month...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    2027 Lunar and Seasonal Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    Renowned witch Stacey Demarco helps you get the most out of the moon phases and seasons. This planner includes lunar timings and explanations of the moon phases and their impact on us along with practical magical suggestions to work with the energies of each season.Features include: • 8"" x 6"" planner (8"" x 12"" open) • Spiral binding allows the pages to...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • NKJV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, White, Red Letter, Comfort Print
    Commemorate a special accomplishment or event with a gift to be treasured for years to come. The popular and reliable New King James Version with the enhanced readability of Thomas Nelson’s custom NKJV font is now the perfect gift. The NKJV, Gift and Award Bible is a great way to recognise someone for a job well done. This special-occasion Bible...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Braiding Sweetgrass
    Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a graceful and illuminating study of the wisdom of the natural world, bringing together the knowledge of modern science with the teachings of Indigenous cultures. At its heart, the book explores the interconnectedness between humans and nature, offering profound insights on how this relationship can foster a deeper ecological consciousness. As a botanist...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The King Is Coming
    Bestselling author John Bevere challenges Christians to take a fresh and honest look at one of the most often misunderstood and avoided truths of the Christian faith—the second coming of Jesus. Through personal testimony, biblical accuracy, and practical guidance, readers will be inspired to live a life of spiritual vigilance as they prepare for the glorious return of our King....
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • NIV, Holy Bible, Economy Edition, Paperback, Comfort Print
    Hope for your everyday life. The New International Version of the Bible is today’s most popular modern-English translation. This low-cost Bible, featuring extra helps that are ideal for evangelism and an easy-to-read Comfort Print® typeface, is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute God’s Word in bulk through their outreach events. Features include: The full text of the accurate,...
    Paperback
    $1000
    Backorder
    Ships late August
  • The Practice of Not Thinking
    Bestselling author and Zen priest Ryunosuke Koike teaches us how to reconnect with our five senses and move towards enlightenment. What would happen if we learnt to look instead of see, listen instead of hear, and feel instead of touch? With remarkable clarity, Ryunosuke Koike shares the ways we can incorporate Zen practice into our daily life, resulting in a...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Odyssey
    The epic final chapter to Stephen Fry's outstanding retellings of the Greek Myths. Troy has fallen. After 10 years of war, the Greeks make their way back to their own lands—but what homes now await them? Agamemnon must return to his wife Clytemnestra, who has been nursing her rage since he sacrificed their daughter to the gods for a favourable...
    Paperback
    $2300
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    The Prosperous Heart
    Cameron is a veteran of the modern self-care movement — THE NEW YORK TIMES Discover the true meaning of prosperity and abundance in this uplifting and beneficial guide — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Create a sense of security and wealth in your life by applying Julia Cameron's bestselling Artist's Way techniques to the topic of prosperity. How do we keep a roof...
    Paperback
    $3799
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    2027 Moon Goddess Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    This full-colour, beautifully illustrated planner will teach you how to harness the energy and guidance of the moon, seasons, and sacred celebrations of 2027 so you can thrive throughout the year.As you're guided through the year, learn how to use crystals, essential oils, affirmations, and rituals to harness your inner goddess. You'll also discover how to live in harmony and...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Elsewhere:
    $2899
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Falling Upward, Revised and Updated
    An update to the bestselling Falling Upward from Franciscan Father Richard Rohr In the revised and updated edition of Falling Upward, Richard Rohr seeks to help readers come to terms with the two halves of life. In this book, Rohr teaches us that we cannot understand the meaning of "up" until we have fallen "down." More importantly, Rohr describes what...
    Hardback
    $4700
    Elsewhere:
    $5199
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • NIV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, Pink, Red Letter, Comfort Print
    Bibles make great gifts! This leather-look NIV Gift and Award Bible is economically priced so you can share the life-changing Word of God with more people. Perfect for special events or acts of kindness, this gift Bible is arranged in two columns with the words of Jesus in red, along with a presentation page for gift-giving, maps, and other Bible...
    Paperback
    $2200
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.