The Prince who left his Palace

Story Bhumi and Aadarsh have just returned from their trip to Bodh Gaya, the holy place where Gautama Buddha got enlightenment, or in other words, realised his true self.

In Bodh Gaya, they visited the Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhi tree, the Great Buddha Statue and many monasteries. They had returned with some great memories and the curiosity to know more about Gautama Buddha.

One evening, while discussing their fascinating trip with their grandmother, Bhumi and Aadarsh showed their desire to know more about Siddhartha Gautama, his childhood and his journey of becoming the great Buddha.

Nani smiled and asked, “Would you like to hear a story about young Prince Siddhartha before he became the Buddha?”

“Yes, Nani!” they shouted together.

“Alright, listen then, a long time ago, in the kingdom of Kapilavastu, there lived a kind and gentle prince named Siddhartha Gautama. He was smart, polite, and loved by everyone. His father, King Suddhodana, loved him very much and wanted to keep him happy always.”

“What was his life like in the palace?” Aadarsh asked.

“He had everything — a big room, tasty food, beautiful gardens, and games to play. The king didn’t want Siddhartha to see anything sad or upsetting. So, he was always surrounded by beautiful things and young, lively people.

“But one day, when Siddhartha went outside the palace. For the first time, he saw an old man who could barely walk. He asked, ‘What is happening to him?’ A guard told him, ‘That’s what happens when people grow old, they become weak.’

“Then he saw a man who was very sick. ‘Why is he in pain?’ Siddhartha asked.

The guard replied, ‘He is ill, which has brought him this pain.’ Anyone can fall ill.

Then, he saw people crying near a body. ‘What happened?’ Siddhartha asked.

The guard said, ‘This man has died.’”

Bhumi looked sad. “That must have been hard for him.”

Nani nodded. “Yes, Siddhartha felt very upset. He had never known that life could be so full of pain, and people could face so much misery.

Then he saw a peaceful monk walking calmly. Siddhartha thought, ‘Maybe this monk is searching for something beyond sadness.’

“That night, Siddhartha couldn’t sleep. He kept thinking, ‘Why do people suffer? Is there a way to stop it?’ Is there something that never changes and always stays happy?'

"Finally, he made a big decision. He quietly left the palace, his fancy clothes, and even his family. He left in search the truth and help people get rid of their suffering.”

“He was so brave,” said Aadarsh.

“Yes,” Nani smiled. “He walked through forests, met wise people, and sat under a tree to think deeply. After many years, he found his answer within himself and became the Buddha — the one who is awakened and wise.”

Bhumi whispered, “He gave up everything to help others.”

“That’s why we still remember him today and follow his teachings---to gain wisdom, realise our true nature, get rid of suffering and spread peace and happiness,” Nani said, hugging them both.