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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<br />
been given exclusively to the brahmana caste, that Brahman was the Supreme Ruler of the universe, and that prayers and rituals of<br />
themselves possessed omnipotent power. Siddhartha sym<strong>path</strong>ized with those priests and brahmans who dared to directly challenge these<br />
dogmas. His interest never waned, and Siddhartha never missed a class or discussion on the Vedas. He also pursued the studies of<br />
language and history.<br />
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<br />
other excursions in the hope of encountering such men. These monks cared nothing for material possessions and social status, unlike the<br />
brahmans who openly vied for power. Rather, these monks abandoned everything in order to seek liberation and to cut the ties that bound<br />
them to the sorrows and worries of the world. They were men who had studied and penetrated the meaning of the Vedas and the<br />
Upanishads. Siddhartha knew that many such hermits lived in Kosala, the neighboring kingdom to the west, and in Magadha which lay to<br />
the south. Siddhartha hoped that one day he would have a chance to visit these regions and study seriously with men such as these.<br />
Of course, King Suddhodana was aware of Siddhartha’s aspirations. He dreaded that his son might one day leave the palace and<br />
become a monk, and he confided his worries to his younger brother, Dronodanaraja, the father of Devadatta and Ananda.<br />
“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<br />
Devadatta, to protect the destiny of our country. I greatly fear Siddhartha may decide to become a monk, as the Master Asita Kaladevela<br />
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<br />
and meet with these hermits?”<br />
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<br />
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<br />
Suddhodana nodded.<br />
That night he confided his concerns to Gotami, who promised she would arrange for Siddhartha to marry in the near future. Even though<br />
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<br />
young people in the kingdom. Siddhartha joined these evenings of music, athletic events, and field trips with enthusiasm. He made many<br />
new friends, both young men and young women.<br />
King Suddhodana had a younger sister named Pamita whose husband was King Dandapani of Koliya. The couple kept residences in<br />
both Ramagama, the capital of Koliya, and in Kapilavatthu. Sakya and Koliya were separated only by the Rohini River and their peoples<br />
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<br />
agreed to organize a martial arts competition on the large field that bordered Kunau Lake. King Suddhodana personally presided over the<br />
event to encourage the young people of his kingdom to develop their strength and increase their fighting skills. All the young people of the<br />
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<br />
with their praise and applause. Yasodhara, the daughter of Queen Pamita and King Dandapani, was responsible for welcoming all the<br />
guests. She was a lovely and charming young woman, her beauty natural and fresh.<br />
Siddhartha placed number one in all the events, including archery, swordsmanship, horse racing, and weightlifting, and it was Yasodhara<br />
who presented him with his prize, a <strong>white</strong> elephant. With her palms joined and her head slightly bowed, in a voice noble and serene, she<br />
declared, “Please accept this elephant, Prince Siddhartha, for your well deserved victory. And please accept my heartfelt congratulations.”<br />
Siddhartha placed number one in all the events. Yasodhara presented him with his prize, a <strong>white</strong> elephant.