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As a result of his own reflections, Siddhartha began to question some of the fundamental teachings of Brahmanism: that the Vedas had
been given exclusively to the brahmana caste, that Brahman was the Supreme Ruler of the universe, and that prayers and rituals of
themselves possessed omnipotent power. Siddhartha sympathized with those priests and brahmans who dared to directly challenge these
dogmas. His interest never waned, and Siddhartha never missed a class or discussion on the Vedas. He also pursued the studies of
language and history.
Siddhartha liked very much to meet and discuss with hermits and monks, but as his father disapproved, he had to find excuses to go on
other excursions in the hope of encountering such men. These monks cared nothing for material possessions and social status, unlike the
brahmans who openly vied for power. Rather, these monks abandoned everything in order to seek liberation and to cut the ties that bound
them to the sorrows and worries of the world. They were men who had studied and penetrated the meaning of the Vedas and the
Upanishads. Siddhartha knew that many such hermits lived in Kosala, the neighboring kingdom to the west, and in Magadha which lay to
the south. Siddhartha hoped that one day he would have a chance to visit these regions and study seriously with men such as these.
Of course, King Suddhodana was aware of Siddhartha’s aspirations. He dreaded that his son might one day leave the palace and
become a monk, and he confided his worries to his younger brother, Dronodanaraja, the father of Devadatta and Ananda.
“The country of Kosala has long had its eye on our territory. We must count on the talents of our young people, such as Siddhartha and
Devadatta, to protect the destiny of our country. I greatly fear Siddhartha may decide to become a monk, as the Master Asita Kaladevela
predicted. If this comes to pass, it is likely that Devadatta will follow in Siddhartha’s footsteps. Do you know how much they like to go out
and meet with these hermits?”
Dronodanaraja was taken aback by the king’s words. After pondering a moment, he whispered in the king’s ear, “If you ask me, I think
you should find a wife for Siddhartha. Once he has a family to occupy him, he will abandon this desire to become a monk.” King
Suddhodana nodded.
That night he confided his concerns to Gotami, who promised she would arrange for Siddhartha to marry in the near future. Even though
she had just recently given birth to a girl, a princess named Sundari Nanda, soon after, she began to organize a number of gatherings for the
young people in the kingdom. Siddhartha joined these evenings of music, athletic events, and field trips with enthusiasm. He made many
new friends, both young men and young women.
King Suddhodana had a younger sister named Pamita whose husband was King Dandapani of Koliya. The couple kept residences in
both Ramagama, the capital of Koliya, and in Kapilavatthu. Sakya and Koliya were separated only by the Rohini River and their peoples
had been close for many generations. Their capitals were but a day’s journey apart. At Gotami’s request, the king and queen of Koliya
agreed to organize a martial arts competition on the large field that bordered Kunau Lake. King Suddhodana personally presided over the
event to encourage the young people of his kingdom to develop their strength and increase their fighting skills. All the young people of the
capital were invited to attend, girls as well as boys. The young women did not engage in the athletic contests but encouraged the young men
with their praise and applause. Yasodhara, the daughter of Queen Pamita and King Dandapani, was responsible for welcoming all the
guests. She was a lovely and charming young woman, her beauty natural and fresh.
Siddhartha placed number one in all the events, including archery, swordsmanship, horse racing, and weightlifting, and it was Yasodhara
who presented him with his prize, a white elephant. With her palms joined and her head slightly bowed, in a voice noble and serene, she
declared, “Please accept this elephant, Prince Siddhartha, for your well deserved victory. And please accept my heartfelt congratulations.”
Siddhartha placed number one in all the events. Yasodhara presented him with his prize, a white elephant.