The all-compassionate one finds a beautiful home in this portable shrine, illustrated hardcover, and meditation tool all in one. The book, which slides into the box to make an elegant backdrop for a statue of seated Buddha, tells the story of Prince Gautama, from the prediction of his destiny at birth through his encounter with the Four Sights to his enlightenment and the education of his first students. Illustrated with art from Japan, China, and India, the book also relates a brief history of Buddhism and includes sutras, mantras, and prayers. Buddha in a Box makes a handsome mini-shrine for prayer and meditation practices, an ideal travel companion, and a thoughtful and practical gift for anyone interested in Buddhism.