'Siddhartha: The Boy Who Became The Buddha' - Advait Kottary in Conversation.
Hello and welcome to the Ask an Author series of conversations on my swell cast where I talk to writers about writing. Actor and author Advait Kottary's debut novel, Siddhartha the Boy Who Became the Buddha, is a compelling narrative of the Buddha's life story that chronicles how a boy from a warrior clan prophesied to be a great soul goes on a life changing spiritual quest
Advait Kottary
@advaitkottary · 4:12
I remember around the time that I had the idea of writing this book, actually, it was a very tricky time in my life. I had just quit my job and I wanted to pursue something creative. I wanted to challenge myself creatively. And I came across this book called Old Path White Clouds by Thignatan, who was a very revered Buddhist monk who passed away last year. And he related several incidents in the life of Sidharth both before and after enlightenment and his journey through it all
Swell Team
@Swell · 0:15
Advait Kottary
@advaitkottary · 4:21
Just look within ourselves, forge our own paths to happiness, and live in harmony with the world around us as it becomes smaller and more connected, and it will continue to do so. And lastly, why I think the Buddha's teachings have resonated so well through the ages is because it's very inclusive. The approach to spirituality that we have, it's not a guideline of do this, don't do that, or do this at that particular time if you want that
Advait Kottary
@advaitkottary · 4:22
And it's not just with this incident, it's with every single incident in the life of Siddharth and the journey of the Buddha that we really see a human story at the end of the day, a real person behind the teachings that we know, behind the facts that we've been told. So I think empathy and trying to understand and put myself in those shoes as another human being really helped a lot with telling the story
I think I'll leave you with one more question Advait .But before that, I'd like to take a few moments to thank you for being a part of this wonderful conversation and for sharing perspectives that have shaped the writing of this book. The link to which I shall be sharing here for our listeners to check out. So, yes, over to the last question. How has writing Siddhartha influenced your own understanding and appreciation of the Buddha's life and teachings?
Advait Kottary
@advaitkottary · 3:57
But I'm also very grateful for the chance to get to tell this story and to talk about it as well, because on days when I do, I just feel like it's a reminder of his words, of his teachings of Apo deepo Bhava. And it's strange. It's almost like a cleansing ritual for me. So it's really left a lasting impact and continues to do so. So my appreciation for his story continues to grow, and the same with his teachings as well