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Siddhartha smiled. “Great King, I am more used to living in the forest.”
“This is too harsh a life. You have no bed, no attendant to assist you. If you agree to come with me, I will give you your own palace.
Please return with me to teach.”
“Great King, palace life is not well suited to me. I am endeavoring to find a path of liberation to free myself and all beings from suffering.
Palace life is not compatible with the heart’s quest of this monk.”
“You are still young, as I am. I have need of a friend with whom I can truly share. From the moment I saw you, I felt a natural connection
with you. Come with me. If you accept, I will reserve half of my kingdom for you, and when you are older, you can return to the life of a
monk. It won’t be too late.”
“I thank you for your generous heart and offer of patronage, but I truly have but one desire, and that is to find the path which can liberate
all beings from suffering. Time passes quickly, Great King. If I don’t use the strength and energy I now possess as a young man, old age
will arrive too soon and I will feel deep regret. Life is so uncertain—sickness or death can occur at any moment. The flames of inner turmoil
caused by greed, anger, hatred, passion, jealousy, and pride continue to burn in my heart. Only when the Great Way is discovered, will
liberation be possible for all beings. If you truly feel affection for me, you will allow me to continue the path I have long pursued.”
King Bimbisara was even more impressed after hearing Siddhartha speak. He said, “It gives me great joy to hear your words so filled
with determination. Dear monk, allow me to ask where you are from and what your family name is.”
“Great King, I come from the kingdom of Sakya. My family name is Sakya. King Suddhodana who presently rules in Kapilavatthu is my
father, and my mother was Queen Mahamaya. I was the prince, heir to the throne, but because I wished to become a monk in order to
seek the Way, I left my parents, wife, and son, more than three years ago.”
King Bimbisara was astonished. “Then you yourself are of royal blood! I am most honored to meet you, noble monk! The royal families
of Sakya and Magadha have long been on very close terms. How foolish of me to try to impress you with my position and wealth in order
to persuade you to return with me. Please forgive me! Let me ask only this—from time to time, come to my palace and allow me to offer
you food, and when you have found the Great Way, return in compassion to teach me as your disciple. Will you promise that?”
Siddhartha joined his palms and answered, “I promise that when I have discovered the path, I will return to share it with your highness.”
King Bimbisara bowed low before Siddhartha and returned down the hill with his attendant.