Reading Notes: The Life of Buddha, Part B

Image information: Monk meditating, Image credit: Beliefnet

In the story “Siddhartha is Eager to Know the Great Truths” from the book The Life of Buddha by A. Ferdinand Herold, the author begins the story with Prince Siddhartha strolling around the halls of his palace in a troubled and unhappy mood. One day, as he found himself walking aimlessly from the palace through the country, the prince encountered a beggar that was only visible to the prince alone. He immediately asks the beggar who he was, in which the beggar replied that he was a monk. Furthermore, the monk, the form that a god had chosen to arouse the prince, attempts to explain a little bit of  his teaching and the significance of solitude. After talking to the Prince, the monk suddenly disappears into the sky and the Prince instantly knew what his destiny was. He had decided to leave the palace and become a monk himself.
Once he returned home, the Prince explained to his father about his wish. However, instead of supporting his decision, the King talks down on him and says that he was too young to make any rash decisions about a religious calling. So, the prince waits till every is fast asleep that night and sneaks out to begin his new life.
I found this story to really inspirational, especially when we come from a society that over value material things. Furthermore, I thought the most significant scene in the story was when the prince speaks to the monk. It made me think about the importance of solitude and serenity. It’s was makes the soul feel alive. Furthermore, a few things that I would definitely change around is the ending of the story. I thought it was a little confusing when he cries out that they were all dead. With that being said, I would change it so that his father is there to support his decision even though he doesn’t completely agree with it


Bibliography:
“Siddhartha is Eager to Know the Great Truths” by A. Ferdinand Herold. Website: Freebookapalooza