Yasodhara and the Buddha. Religious studies professor and author Vanessa R. Sasson talks about her intriguing novel looking at the Buddha’s life from his wife’s point of view. Part romance and fairy tale, part honest depiction of love, suffering, and resilience, it gives a wholly new perspective on the Buddha’s path to enlightenment. Vanessa offers in-depth academic research to present the evocative story of the Buddha from the perspective of a forgotten woman: Yasodhara, the Buddha’s wife.