The Buddha’s Lifestory According to Jorge Luis Borges

This paper discusses mainly two essays on the Buddha’s life story by the renowned Argentinian writer, Jorge Luis Borges (1899–1986). Both essays defy classification, as they take, strictly speaking, neither a historical nor a hagiographical or literary approach. Rather, this paper argues that the Buddha’s legend serves as a point of departure for the author to weave reflections and connections that are articulated by his understanding of the notions of “emptiness” and “non-self.” As a result, we get two life stories that are refracted through these notions, as well as glimpses into Borges’ views on the nature and potential of literature, and his literary project.