“The fear of death is meaningless. Fear of death prevents a person from attaining physical and mental happiness... A person must always remain truthful.” This final teaching from Buddha to Sudatta in Arhat by Shailendra Adhikari encapsulates the novel’s core essence. Rich with Buddha’s teachings, the novel blends profound philosophy with engaging dialogues, making it both intellectually rewarding and emotionally resonant. At its heart, Arhat attempts to unravel the mystery behind Buddha’s self-imposed exile and his pursuit of answers to human suffering: sickness, old age, and death.
Adhikari skillfully incorporates Buddha’s teachings into the story without sounding preachy. As readers journey through the lives of well-developed characters, they naturally absorb Buddha’s philosophy. The novel portrays Buddha not as a divine figure but as an ordinary human navigating life’s challenges, which strengthens the reader’s connection to him.
A key takeaway is that enlightenment cannot be achieved by punishing the body or suppressing desire. Even Buddha initially tortures himself, but he only attains enlightenment after accepting Sujata’s offering. Letting go of attachment—not self-denial—is what frees one from suffering.
Arhat also offers a vivid portrayal of ancient society, making readers feel immersed in a world where history, myth, fact, and fiction converge. Though biographical, the novel includes several subplots which, while not tightly interwoven with the central narrative, revolve around Buddha. Each character finds peace through his presence, and readers, too, may feel a sense of enlightenment through these interactions.
The novel reflects the complexity of society at the time, featuring characters from all walks of life—kings, criminals, sages, and more—each grappling with sorrow. This diversity mirrors works like Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, providing insight into the psyche and struggles of different social groups. Despite their varied backgrounds, all find solace in Buddha’s teachings.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its portrayal of female characters and Buddha’s progressive decision to allow women to become monks, even if under hierarchical constraints. This is a nuanced representation, acknowledging the societal norms of 2,500 years ago while recognizing Buddha’s inclusive mindset.
A key takeaway is that enlightenment cannot be achieved by punishing the body or suppressing desire. Even Buddha initially tortures himself, but he only attains enlightenment after accepting Sujata’s offering. Letting go of attachment—not self-denial—is what frees one from suffering.
Humanizing a religious figure is no easy task, but Adhikari achieves it with grace. The novel’s third-person narration allows readers to witness Buddha’s emotional journey—leaving his royal life, family, and crown. Simultaneously, a first-person perspective brings him to life, lending the story an autobiographical feel. The interplay of narration, dialogue, setting, and emotion enhances the historical richness of the tale.
From a literary perspective, Arhat is a treasure trove. It uses a story-within-a-story structure, with the outer narrative enhancing the core themes. The plot doesn’t follow a linear path but begins with Buddha’s final moments and is relayed through Ananda, who impersonates him. This allows exploration of different timelines and points of view.
The primary narrative tracks Buddha’s transformation—from curious youth to enlightened sage. Though the novel features numerous characters and side stories, all are unified by shared suffering and the solace they find in Buddha. At times, the sheer number of subplots and characters may overwhelm readers, and heavy historical details and teachings can slow the narrative pace, occasionally blurring the line between fiction and exposition.
While the novel presents Buddha’s teachings faithfully, it does not actively explore their relevance to the modern world. The narrative refrains from drawing parallels between ancient philosophy and contemporary issues shaped by new forms of desire. Moreover, the novel sometimes hesitates to embrace full fictional liberty, leaving readers unsure whether they are reading imaginative literature or a factual account.
Despite these limitations, Arhat is a valuable read, especially for those drawn to spiritual literature or ancient history. It offers deep insight into Buddha’s internal conflicts, his renunciation, and the cultural world he inhabited. In doing so, Adhikari presents a thoughtful reflection on enlightenment—timeless, human, and deeply moving.
(Dr. Bista is a Lecturer in English at Mahendra Multiple Campus in Dharan. She writes on contemporary issues, Nepali fiction, and cinema through a gender lens.)
.
