On the day of the full moon in the month of July (asalha) the Crown Prince received the message that his beautiful wife Yasodhara gave birth to a son. Concerned by this new development, by this new bond that would bind him even more firmly to the world, decided the prince to leave the palace that same night. At that moment he is 29 years. He gave up everything he had out of compassion for the whole world. He even left behind his wife and only child who were dear to him -- a heartbreaking farewell that touched him deeply. This is known as the great renunciation. But he promised in his heart to return when he completes his quest accomplished and found the cure for suffering. His quest ended 6 years later under the Bodhi tree, the 'Tree of Enlightenment' at Uruvela (now Bodh Gaya).
| Auteur: Peter van Loosbroek -- Ananda Copyright: www.sleuteltotinzicht.nl/glb_copyright.htm |