Birth And Early Years- bn

BIRTH AND EARLY YEARS

King Shuddhodhana and his wife Mayadevi performed many spiritual austerities such as Japa, Tapa, Vratas and Yajnas for years together with the aspiration to have a son. They also consulted many astrologers. Shuddhodhana had no peace of mind as the worry of not having an heir to the throne haunted him day and night. At last their prayers were answered when Mayadevi gave birth to a son at Lumbini. Unfortunately, Mayadevi died soon after giving birth to her son who was named Siddhartha. Gautami, the second wife of Shuddhodhana, brought up the child with loving care like her own son. That is the reason why he was also called Gautama.

The astrologers predicted that Siddhartha would not rule the kingdom; he would leave the kingdom and become a renunciant. The prediction of the astrologers was always ringing in the ears of Shuddhodhana and caused him anxiety every as he watched his son grow. He took all precautions to see that his son did not step out of the palace and get into the company of others lest he should be influenced by them. Thus, he protected his son from the influence of others for twenty long years.

– “Attain Enlightenment by Renouncing Desires”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 39, May 13, 2006, Brindavan

The name given to Buddha at the time of birth was Sarvartha Siddha. Shuddhodhana got his son married to Yashodhara, daughter of his brother-in-law, Shuddhabuddha. He apprehended that his son may become a recluse and turn away from the world if He was left to Himself. But Buddha did not feel that a married life was the proper thing for Him. Buddha felt that man was bound by various attachments in worldly life. Friends and relations were the cause of this bondage. Various human relationships were the cause of sorrow in the world. So He declared: ‘Sarvam Dukham Dukham’ (all is sorrow) He also declared: ‘Sarvam Kshanikam, Kshanikam’ (everything is momentary). ‘Sarvam Nashyam Nashyam’ (everything is perishable). Buddha felt that nothing was truly lasting. Parents were subjecting their children to various kinds of bonds and making their lives miserable. As soon as the children come of age the parents are keen to get them married. They do not know what kind of happiness he can get from married life. What happiness have they derived from their own married life physically, mentally or otherwise? No person, however intelligent, thinks about this matter. Even eminent scholars do not care to examine whether it is worthwhile pursuing sensuous pleasures instead of seeking what is beyond the senses. Buddha felt intensely unhappy that His parents and others combined to commit Him to the bondage of married life. One day, at midnight, Buddha left the palace, giving up His wife and young son, Rahul.

– “Purity – The Path to Liberation”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 30, May 15, 1997, Brindavan

Owing to His parents’ loving insistence, Siddhartha continued to stay with His parents in the palace even after the marriage. One year after the marriage, He begot a son who was named Rahul. Both the husband and wife spent their time happily with their son. In spite of all the comforts of the palace and happy married life, Gautam’s mind became restless when He saw people afflicted with old age, disease and death after He ventured out of the palace one day.

One night, there was a sudden transformation in His mind. As His wife was fast asleep, He got up at midnight, caressed His son and left for the forest. He had to undergo numerous hardships and difficulties in the forest. But He faced all ordeals with forbearance and determination. His parents were immersed in sorrow, unable to bear the pangs of separation from their son. Though Siddhartha was also undergoing a lot of anguish, He marched on his path of attaining self-realisation.

– “Attain Enlightenment by Renouncing Desires”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 39, May 13, 2006, Brindavan

At the age of 28, Siddhartha gave up everything and turned a renunciant. What is the significance of this step? Buddha declared: ‘Sangham Sharanam Gachchaami’, “Hands in the society, head in the forest”. He renounced everything to think about promoting the welfare of society.

– “Purity – The Path to Liberation”, Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 30, May 15, 1997, Brindavan

For Sri Sathya Sai Insights on Buddha’s Quest for the Supreme, click here.