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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.
The princess’ movements were graceful and unaffected, and her manner of dress elegant and refined. Her smile was as fresh as a halfopened lotus. Siddhartha bowed and looked into her eyes, saying in a quiet voice, “Thank you, princess.” Devadatta stood behind Siddhartha, unhappy to have won only second place. Upset that Yasodhara had not even noticed him, he grabbed the elephant’s trunk and viciously struck it in a sensitive spot. Overcome with pain, the elephant dropped to its knees. Siddhartha looked severely at Devadatta, “Cousin, that was outrageous.” Siddhartha rubbed the tender place on the elephant’s trunk and spoke soothingly to it. Gradually the elephant stood up again and bowed its head in respect to the prince. The spectators applauded loudly. Siddhartha climbed upon the elephant’s back and the victory procession began. Under the guidance of its trainer, the white elephant carried Siddhartha around the capital of Kapilavatthu, and the people cheered. Yasodhara walked beside them with slow, graceful steps.
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 28 and 29: King Suddhodana grew alarmed and as
Page 30 and 31: she nodded in assent.
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
Page 80 and 81: Chapter Twenty-Four Taking Refuge N
Page 82 and 83:
Chapter Twenty-Five Music’s Lofty
Page 84 and 85:
Chapter Twenty-Six Water Rises, Too
Page 86 and 87:
Late in the afternoon, Kassapa came
Page 88 and 89:
devotees? Who will guide them if yo
Page 90 and 91:
obes for fear of disturbing the sou
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But Sariputta implored Assaji, “P
Page 94 and 95:
Chapter Thirty Bamboo Forest It was
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her son, Prince Ajatasattu. She sho
Page 98 and 99:
Chapter Thirty-One I Will Return in
Page 100 and 101:
The Buddha quietly smiled in agreem
Page 102 and 103:
and body. Feelings arise and pass a
Page 104 and 105:
The Buddha spoke gently to her, “
Page 106 and 107:
Chapter Thirty-Four Reunion Kaluday
Page 108 and 109:
The Buddha immediately stood up and
Page 110 and 111:
Chapter Thirty-Five Early Morning S
Page 112 and 113:
Chapter Thirty-Six Lotus Vow Prince
Page 114 and 115:
predicted so many lifetimes ago.
Page 116 and 117:
so young become a bhikkhu?” The B
Page 118 and 119:
Chapter Thirty-Eight O, Happiness!
Page 120 and 121:
After the noon meal, the Buddha gav
Page 122 and 123:
But Sudatta would not hear of it. H
Page 124 and 125:
Jivaka, was unable to attend becaus
Page 126 and 127:
One afternoon, the Buddha received
Page 128 and 129:
“But how can I show my love for t
Page 130 and 131:
Chapter Forty-Three Everyone’s Te
Page 132 and 133:
community. Many condemned the Buddh
Page 134 and 135:
One morning in early autumn just af
Page 136 and 137:
Chapter Forty-Five Opening the Door
Page 138 and 139:
Chapter Forty-Six A Handful of Sims
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The Buddha nodded his approval. He
Page 142 and 143:
It was the tenth retreat season sin
Page 144 and 145:
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
Page 150 and 151:
“Sariputta, if the bhikkhus grasp
Page 152 and 153:
Chapter Fifty-One The Treasure of I
Page 154 and 155:
The children appeared sorry for wha
Page 156 and 157:
Chapter Fifty-Two Fields of Merit T
Page 158 and 159:
future generations. When one makes
Page 160 and 161:
Chapter Fifty-Three Dwelling in the
Page 162 and 163:
The Buddha said, “No, Angulimala,
Page 164 and 165:
Ahimsaka now.” The king stared lo
Page 166 and 167:
When Tappasi delivered the news to
Page 168 and 169:
The story of Bhikkhuni Patacara was
Page 170 and 171:
BOOK THREE
Page 172 and 173:
Of course, every bhikkhu and bhikkh
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that merit, may you and your child
Page 176 and 177:
The venerable said no more, but pro
Page 178 and 179:
including yourself. Love Ananda as
Page 180 and 181:
explained, ‘Several days ago, one
Page 182 and 183:
depths of the Dharma speak few word
Page 184 and 185:
Sonadanda smiled and joined his pal
Page 186 and 187:
Chapter Sixty-One The Lion’s Roar
Page 188 and 189:
could be saved overnight. Not long
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he spoke about the relation of the
Page 192 and 193:
Chapter Sixty-Three All the Way to
Page 194 and 195:
He recalled how some years ago, sev
Page 196 and 197:
If you can see the teaching, you ca
Page 198 and 199:
Chapter Sixty-Five Neither Full nor
Page 200 and 201:
look at the empty Dharma hall, you
Page 202 and 203:
Chapter Sixty-Six Four Mountains Ea
Page 204 and 205:
Chapter Sixty-Seven Ocean Poet At t
Page 206 and 207:
Chapter Sixty-Eight Three Wondrous
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The words used to transmit it shoul
Page 210 and 211:
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.
Page 216 and 217:
Being refused the chance to practic
Page 218 and 219:
“And what if the strings are too
Page 220 and 221:
Chapter Seventy-Two Quiet Resistanc
Page 222 and 223:
held responsible for the actions of
Page 224 and 225:
“No, Teacher, I am not yet marrie
Page 226 and 227:
Chapter Seventy-Four Cry of the Ele
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his body between the Buddha and Nal
Page 230 and 231:
Chapter Seventy-Five Tears of Happi
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“5. Share time, resources, and ha
Page 234 and 235:
Chapter Seventy-Six The Fruits of P
Page 236 and 237:
somewhat embarrassed, he said to hi
Page 238 and 239:
The Buddha nodded his acceptance. H
Page 240 and 241:
The Buddha regarded him kindly and
Page 242 and 243:
Chapter Seventy-Eight Two Thousand
Page 244 and 245:
The Ganga was so swollen from recen
Page 246 and 247:
Chapter Seventy-Nine Sandalwood Tre
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hikkhus, and headed towards Kusinar
Page 250 and 251:
Chapter Eighty Be Diligent! It was
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Chapter Eighty-One Old Path White C
Page 254 and 255:
of Licchavi would build one in Vesa
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meditation. Just before dawn on the
Page 258 and 259:
Chapter Contents & Sources
Page 260 and 261:
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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