Siddhartha's Journey

008. THE FOUR MESSENGERS

Siddhartha spent 13 years at his father’s disposal after the birth of his son. However, his serious, inquisitive nature tired of the fleeting pleasures of his princely life, and he longed for more. Although his father had protected him from the realities of life, during the prince’s various journeys beyond the palace gates he saw an old man, a sick man, a corpse and a holy man. Deeply moved by these encounters, he resolved to follow the way of the holy man and find a solution to life’s suffering.

009. THE GREAT RENUNCIATION

On his 29th birthday, Siddhartha began the life of a wandering ascetic. To avoid alerting his father and disturbing the court, he wrapped his horse’s feet in cloth and set forth with his faithful groom Channa, leaving behind his wife and son, and his luxurious former life. Together, Siddhartha and Channa crossed the great river Anoma. On the other bank Siddhartha cut his hair and beard and parted company with Channa, to whom he gave his princely clothes and his trusted horse.

010. HOMELESS WANDERING

Siddhartha now lived the life of a beggar. He had no permanent shelter and would sleep out in the open or in the shade of a tree. Dressed only in tattered robes, with bare feet and a shaven head, he travelled on foot through all weathers. He had renounced all personal possessions and had only a bowl to beg for alms with.

011. TWO TEACHERS

Siddhartha devoted himself to the teachings of two successive meditation masters. His progress was so quick and his dedication so profound that each master nominated Siddhartha as his successor. Despite having learned all that could be learned from them, including much discipline and the fundamentals of practice, Siddhartha was not satisfied, so he moved on, to seek liberation on his own.

012. EXTREME AUSTERITIES

After leaving his masters, Siddhartha sought liberation from suffering during six years of rigorous austerities in the company of five disciples. Meditating deep into the night left little time to eat, wash or sleep – at some points, Siddhartha ate only a grain of rice a day. Eventually his body became emaciated and turned black.

013. NOT THE WAY

With his body wasting away and almost starved to death, Siddhartha realized that without food he would not have the strength to reach enlightenment, and so he abandoned this approach. He accepted a bowl of rice gruel from a passing herdsman’s daughter, Sujata, and washed his body, hair and clothes.

014. A MAN ALONE

Siddhartha was abandoned by his disciples, who said scornfully that he had taken to a life of ease and luxury. Deserted by his friends, his teachers and even his disciples, Siddhartha was now completely alone and without status. He decided to resolve his problems once and for all, and he settled down to meditate under a bodhi tree.