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King Suddhodana grew alarmed and asked, “What is it? Do you forebode some misfortune for the child?” Master Asita wiped the tears with his hands and shook his head. “Your majesty, I see no misfortune at all. I weep for myself, for I can clearly see that this child possesses true greatness. He will penetrate all the mysteries of the universe. Your majesty, your son will not be a politician. He will be a great Master of the Way. Heaven and Earth will be his home and all beings his relations. I weep because I will pass away before I have a chance to hear his voice proclaim the truths he will realize. Majesty, you and your country possess great merit to have given birth to such a one as this boy.” Asita turned to leave. The king pleaded for him to stay, but it was of no use. The old man began walking back to his mountain. Master Asita’s visit sent the king into a frenzy. He did not want his son to become a monk. He wanted him to assume his throne and extend the borders of their kingdom. The king thought, “Asita is only one among hundreds, even thousands of holy men. Perhaps his prophecy is mistaken. Surely the other holy men who said Siddhartha would become a great emperor were correct.” Clinging to this hope, the king was comforted. After having attained sublime joy giving birth to Siddhartha, Queen Mahamaya died eight days later, and all the kingdom mourned her. King Suddhodana summoned her sister Mahapajapati, and asked her to become the new queen. Mahapajapati, also known as Gotami, agreed, and she cared for Siddhartha as if he were her own son. As the boy grew older and asked about his real mother, he understood how much Gotami had loved her sister and how she more than anyone else in the world could love him as much as his own mother. Under Gotami’s care, Siddhartha grew strong and healthy. One day, as Gotami watched Siddhartha play in the garden, she realized he was old enough to learn the graces of wearing gold and precious gems. She instructed her attendants to bring forth precious jewels to try on Siddhartha, but to her surprise, none rendered Siddhartha more handsome than he already was. As Siddhartha expressed discomfort at wearing such things, Gotami ordered the jewels to be returned to their cases.
When Siddhartha reached school age, he studied literature, writing, music, and athletics with the other princes of the Sakya dynasty. Among his schoolmates were his cousins Devadatta and Kimbila and the son of a palace dignitary, a boy named Kaludayi. Naturally intelligent, Siddhartha mastered his lessons quickly. His teacher Visvamitta found the young Devadatta a sharp student, but never in his teaching career had he taught a student more impressive than Siddhartha. One day when he was nine years old, Siddhartha and his schoolmates were allowed to attend the ritual first plowing of the fields. Gotami herself dressed Siddhartha right down to the fine slippers on his feet. Attired in his royal best, King Suddhodana presided over the ceremonies. High ranking holy men and brahmans paraded in robes and head-dresses of every color imaginable. The ceremony was held next to the finest fields in the kingdom, not far from the palace itself. Flags and banners waved from every gate and along every roadside. Colorful displays of food and drink were laid out on altars crowded along the roads. Minstrels and musicians strolled among the throngs of people, adding mirth and merriment to the bustling festivities. Holy men chanted with utmost solemnity as Siddhartha’s father and all the dignitaries of the court stood facing the unfolding ritual. Siddhartha stood towards the back with Devadatta and Kaludayi at his sides. The boys were excited because they had been told that when the rituals were over, everyone would enjoy a feast spread out on the grassy meadow. Siddhartha did not often go on picnics, and he was delighted. But the holy men’s chanting went on and on what seemed like forever, and the young boys grew restless. Unable to endure any longer, they wandered off. Kaludayi held onto Siddhartha’s sleeve, and off they went in the direction of the music and dancing. The hot sun blazed and the performers’ costumes grew wet with perspiration. Beads of sweat shone on the dancing girls’ foreheads. After running about among the scenes of entertainment, Siddhartha, too, grew hot and he left his friends to seek the shade of the rose-apple tree alongside the road. Beneath the cool branches, Siddhartha felt pleasantly refreshed. At that moment, Gotami appeared and, spotting her son, she said, “I’ve been looking all over for you. Where have you been? You should return now for the conclusion of the ceremony. It would please your father.” “Mother, the ceremony is too long. Why must the holy men chant so long?” “They are reciting the Vedas, my child. The scriptures have a profound meaning, handed down by the Creator Himself to the brahmans countless generations ago. You will study them soon.” “Why doesn’t Father recite the scriptures instead of having the brahmans do it?” “Only those born into the brahmana caste are permitted to recite the scriptures, my child. Even kings who wield great power must depend on the services of the brahmans for priestly duties.” Siddhartha thought over Gotami’s words. After a long pause, he joined his palms and entreated her, “Please, Mother, ask Father if I may stay here. I feel so happy sitting beneath this rose-apple tree.” Giving in good-naturedly to her child, Gotami smiled and nodded. She stroked his hair, and then returned down the path. At last the brahmans concluded their prayers. King Suddhodana stepped down into the fields and, together with two military officers, began to plow the first row of the season, as cheers resounded among the crowd. Then the farmers followed the king’s example and began to plow their fields. Hearing the people’s cheers, Siddhartha ran to the edge of the fields. He watched a water buffalo straining to pull a heavy plow, followed by a robust farmer whose skin was bronzed from long work in the sun. The farmer’s left hand steadied the plow while his right hand wielded a whip to urge the buffalo on. Sun blazed and the man’s sweat poured in streams from his body. The rich earth was divided into two neat furrows. As the plow turned the earth, Siddhartha noticed that the bodies of worms and other small creatures were being cut as well. As the worms writhed upon the ground, they were spotted by birds who flew down and grabbed them in their beaks. Then Siddhartha saw a large bird swoop down and grasp a small bird in its talons. Utterly absorbed in these events, standing beneath the burning sun, Siddhartha, too, became drenched in sweat. He ran back to the shade of the rose-apple tree. He had just witnessed so many things strange and unknown to him. He sat cross-legged and closed his eyes to reflect on all he had seen. Composed and erect, he sat for a long time, oblivious to all the singing, dancing, and picnicking taking place around him. Siddhartha continued to sit, absorbed by the images of the field and the many creatures. When the king and queen passed by sometime later, they discovered Siddhartha still sitting in deep concentration. Gotami was moved to tears seeing how beautiful Siddhartha looked, like a small, still statue. But King Suddhodana was seized with sudden apprehension. If Siddhartha could sit so solemnly at such a young age, might not the holy man Asita’s prophecy come true? Too disturbed to remain for the picnic, the king returned alone to the palace in his royal carriage. Some poor, country children passed by the tree speaking and laughing happily. Gotami motioned them to be quiet. She pointed to Siddhartha sitting beneath the rose-apple tree. Curious, the children stared at him. Suddenly, Siddhartha opened his eyes. Seeing the queen, he smiled. “Mother,” he said, “reciting the scriptures does nothing to help the worms and the birds.” Siddhartha stood up and ran to Gotami and clasped her hand. He then noticed the children observing him. They were about his own age, but their clothes were tattered, their faces soiled, and their arms and legs piteously thin. Aware of his princely attire, Siddhartha felt embarrassed, and yet he wanted very much to play with them. He smiled and hesitantly waved, and one boy smiled back. That was all the encouragement Siddhartha needed. He asked Gotami for permission to invite the children to the picnic feast. At first she hesitated, but then
Page 2 and 3: Title Page Copyright Page BOOK ONE
Page 4: Chapter Sixty-Five - Neither Full n
Page 8 and 9: Books by the Same Author Being Peac
Page 10 and 11: During the walk back, Buddha introd
Page 12 and 13: Svasti was overcome with both fear
Page 14 and 15: Chapter Two Tending Water Buffaloes
Page 16 and 17: in the assembly took their own cush
Page 18 and 19: Here, before Svasti, stood a most a
Page 20 and 21: Chapter Four The Wounded Swan Early
Page 22 and 23: else like you in this world. Everyo
Page 24 and 25: Chapter Five A Bowl of Milk Every d
Page 26 and 27: children shared their food with one
Page 30 and 31: she nodded in assent.
Page 32 and 33: As a result of his own reflections,
Page 34 and 35: Chapter Eight The Jewelled Necklace
Page 36 and 37: guests applauded their approval, an
Page 38 and 39: The following summer, as they were
Page 40 and 41: Chapter Ten Unborn Child During thi
Page 42 and 43: you succeed. I know that one day yo
Page 44 and 45: Time flew, and the day for Yasodhar
Page 46 and 47: Siddhartha fell silent, then consol
Page 48 and 49: Chapter Thirteen Beginning Spiritua
Page 50 and 51: which the mind becomes one with inf
Page 52 and 53: Siddhartha smiled. “Great King, I
Page 54 and 55: Chapter Fifteen Forest Ascetic Mast
Page 56 and 57: leaning over the water, its leaves
Page 58 and 59: Chapter Sixteen Was Yasodhara Sleep
Page 60 and 61: Chapter Seventeen Pippala Leaf Bene
Page 62 and 63: Chapter Eighteen The Morning Star H
Page 64 and 65: Svasti explained that he had the da
Page 66 and 67: Sujata joined her palms together an
Page 68 and 69: great peace and joy that attaining
Page 70 and 71: plants, tangerines, rivers, and air
Page 72 and 73: Chapter Twenty-One The Lotus Pond A
Page 75 and 76: Chapter Twenty-Two Turning the Whee
Page 78 and 79:
Chapter Twenty-Three Dharma Nectar
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Chapter Twenty-Four Taking Refuge N
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Chapter Twenty-Five Music’s Lofty
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Chapter Twenty-Six Water Rises, Too
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Late in the afternoon, Kassapa came
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devotees? Who will guide them if yo
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obes for fear of disturbing the sou
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But Sariputta implored Assaji, “P
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Chapter Thirty Bamboo Forest It was
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her son, Prince Ajatasattu. She sho
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Chapter Thirty-One I Will Return in
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The Buddha quietly smiled in agreem
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and body. Feelings arise and pass a
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The Buddha spoke gently to her, “
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Chapter Thirty-Four Reunion Kaluday
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The Buddha immediately stood up and
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Chapter Thirty-Five Early Morning S
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Chapter Thirty-Six Lotus Vow Prince
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predicted so many lifetimes ago.
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so young become a bhikkhu?” The B
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Chapter Thirty-Eight O, Happiness!
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After the noon meal, the Buddha gav
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But Sudatta would not hear of it. H
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Jivaka, was unable to attend becaus
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One afternoon, the Buddha received
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“But how can I show my love for t
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Chapter Forty-Three Everyone’s Te
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community. Many condemned the Buddh
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One morning in early autumn just af
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Chapter Forty-Five Opening the Door
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Chapter Forty-Six A Handful of Sims
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The Buddha nodded his approval. He
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It was the tenth retreat season sin
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Chapter Forty-Eight Covering Mud wi
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Rahula set out a chair for the Budd
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others and wishes others well-being
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“Sariputta, if the bhikkhus grasp
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Chapter Fifty-One The Treasure of I
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The children appeared sorry for wha
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Chapter Fifty-Two Fields of Merit T
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future generations. When one makes
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Chapter Fifty-Three Dwelling in the
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The Buddha said, “No, Angulimala,
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Ahimsaka now.” The king stared lo
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When Tappasi delivered the news to
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The story of Bhikkhuni Patacara was
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BOOK THREE
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Of course, every bhikkhu and bhikkh
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that merit, may you and your child
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The venerable said no more, but pro
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including yourself. Love Ananda as
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explained, ‘Several days ago, one
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depths of the Dharma speak few word
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Sonadanda smiled and joined his pal
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Chapter Sixty-One The Lion’s Roar
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could be saved overnight. Not long
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he spoke about the relation of the
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Chapter Sixty-Three All the Way to
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He recalled how some years ago, sev
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If you can see the teaching, you ca
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Chapter Sixty-Five Neither Full nor
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look at the empty Dharma hall, you
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Chapter Sixty-Six Four Mountains Ea
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Chapter Sixty-Seven Ocean Poet At t
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Chapter Sixty-Eight Three Wondrous
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The words used to transmit it shoul
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One day Venerable Anuruddha was sto
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Chapter Seventy The Quail and the F
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ise at any moment to submerge one.
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Being refused the chance to practic
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“And what if the strings are too
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Chapter Seventy-Two Quiet Resistanc
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held responsible for the actions of
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“No, Teacher, I am not yet marrie
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Chapter Seventy-Four Cry of the Ele
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his body between the Buddha and Nal
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Chapter Seventy-Five Tears of Happi
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“5. Share time, resources, and ha
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Chapter Seventy-Six The Fruits of P
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somewhat embarrassed, he said to hi
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The Buddha nodded his acceptance. H
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The Buddha regarded him kindly and
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Chapter Seventy-Eight Two Thousand
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The Ganga was so swollen from recen
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Chapter Seventy-Nine Sandalwood Tre
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hikkhus, and headed towards Kusinar
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Chapter Eighty Be Diligent! It was
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Chapter Eighty-One Old Path White C
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of Licchavi would build one in Vesa
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meditation. Just before dawn on the
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Chapter Contents & Sources
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Chapter One: Walking Just to Walk S
Page 262 and 263:
Chapter Three: An Armful of Kusa Gr
Page 264 and 265:
Chapter Five: A Bowl of Milk Sujata
Page 266 and 267:
Chapter Seven: White Elephant Prize
Page 268 and 269:
Chapter Nine: The Path of Compassio
Page 270 and 271:
Chapter Eleven: Moonlight Flute Sid
Page 272 and 273:
Chapter Thirteen: Beginning Spiritu
Page 274 and 275:
Chapter Fifteen: Forest Ascetic Sid
Page 276 and 277:
Chapter Seventeen: Pippala Leaf Ben
Page 278 and 279:
Chapter Nineteen: Tangerine of Mind
Page 280 and 281:
Chapter Twenty-One: The Lotus Pond
Page 282 and 283:
Chapter Twenty-Three: Dharma Nectar
Page 284 and 285:
Chapter Twenty-Five: Music’s Loft
Page 286 and 287:
Chapter Twenty-Seven: All Dharmas A
Page 288 and 289:
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Dependent Co-A
Page 290 and 291:
Chapter Thirty: Bamboo Forest The B
Page 292 and 293:
Chapter Thirty-Two: The Finger is N
Page 294 and 295:
Chapter Thirty-Four: Reunion The Bu
Page 296 and 297:
Chapter Thirty-Six: Lotus Vow Yasod
Page 298 and 299:
Chapter Thirty-Eight: O, Happiness!
Page 300 and 301:
Chapter Forty: Cover the Land in Go
Page 302 and 303:
Chapter Forty-Two: Love Is Understa
Page 304 and 305:
Chapter Forty-Four: The Elements Wi
Page 306 and 307:
Chapter Forty-Six: A Handful of Sim
Page 308 and 309:
Chapter Forty-Eight: Covering Mud w
Page 310 and 311:
Chapter Fifty: A Handful of Bran Th
Page 312 and 313:
Chapter Fifty-Two: Fields of Merit
Page 314 and 315:
Chapter Fifty-Four: Dwell in Mindfu
Page 316 and 317:
Book Three
Page 318 and 319:
Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Raft Is No
Page 320 and 321:
Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Net of Theo
Page 322 and 323:
Chapter Sixty-One: The Lion’s Roa
Page 324 and 325:
Chapter Sixty-Three: All the Way to
Page 326 and 327:
Chapter Sixty-Five: Neither Full no
Page 328 and 329:
Chapter Sixty-Seven: Ocean Poet Ven
Page 330 and 331:
Chapter Sixty-Nine: Where Will the
Page 332 and 333:
Chapter Seventy-One: The Art of Str
Page 334 and 335:
Chapter Seventy-Three: Hidden Rice
Page 336 and 337:
Chapter Seventy-Five: Tears of Happ
Page 338 and 339:
Chapter Seventy-Seven: Stars in You
Page 340 and 341:
Chapter Seventy-Nine: Sandalwood Tr
Page 342 and 343:
Chapter Eighty-One: Old Path White
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