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Week 13 Story: Buddha's Realization

Siddhartha (the first Buddha) had grown up a prince and was sheltered from the real world for most of his early life. He was even married before getting the explore the world outside of the palace that he lived in. One day, The prince wanted to go into the city and see how the people around the palace lived. What he did not know, is that the king ordered all of the old, sick, poor, and weak people to be taken out of the city. This was done so that the prince would not see the bad things in the world. 

While the prince was riding his chariot through the city he was struck with happiness at all of the youth that he saw in the people and buildings. He continued to ride through the city until he saw and old man come out from around the corner. The chariot stopped and the prince saw the old man. He was confused at first at the lack of youthfulness. He asked his adviser if this was normal and he replied that everyone awaits this same fate. The prince fell sad and returned the palace. 

The next day, the prince decided to go for another ride through the city. The king made sure that all of the old people were no longer in the city. Again, Siddhartha was struck with awe when he saw just how healthy all of the plants and people looked. That was until a sick young man who could barely walk came around the corner. The prince saw him and asked his adviser if other people get sick too. e replied that everyone gets sick a some point in their life. The prince once again immediately returned to his palace in sadness. 

On the third day, the prince wanted to try one last time. The king made sure there were no more sick or old people in the city and sent the prince on his way. The prince felt better after seeing all of the life that surrounded him in the city until he saw a dead man being carried for a funeral. He asked his adviser if he too will die one day and he replied that everyone dies eventually. The prince fell sad once more and returned to his palace. This sadness was different for he did not want to go into the city the next day. This is when the first Buddha realized the world is not youthful, healthy, or full of life. 

(Siddhartha's Encounters. Source: Wikipedia)

Bibliography: The Life of Buddha
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Comments

  1. B. AllgoodNovember 16, 2019 at 7:03 PM

    Other than a few spelling hiccups here and there, your re-telling is very well written! I do wonder if you considered writing an author's note to supplement your writing, though? This can be a good way to let your readers in on your inspiration and thoughts as you retold the tale. Either way, what a humbling story of a character who had to learn the harsh realities of life the hard way. As well-meaning as his family seemed, ignorance is not always bliss! This could definitely lead to a long philosophical discussion on the matter, but your story definitely did well to get the curious mind working about such life and death concerns.

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  2. AMORE_153November 17, 2019 at 9:44 PM

    Hi Jacob, I really enjoyed reading through your story! I liked the repetition you had going on with the prince going through the city and being struck with happiness until he saw someone that was not full of health, which then brought his happiness down. The repetition gave your story a little more umph to it. I noticed some spelling errors in your story, so you might want to look over that! Also, I think you should add in author's note so your readers knows what you are writing your story over.

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  3. Ryeli BethNovember 18, 2019 at 10:05 AM

    I really liked your retelling of this story! It flowed well and was easy to understand. I think you would benefit from having an author’s note. I don’t think you would have to say much, maybe just explain your inspiration for the story. Back to the story, I really liked the last line. I think that it carries a lot of weight. Your buildup to the ending was great. It makes you think.

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  4. Sarah BetzNovember 18, 2019 at 11:45 AM

    Hi Jacob!
    I love the story of Siddhartha, so I really enjoyed reading your story about him! An author’s note could have been helpful to explain the changes you made in this story since it has been a few semesters since I read this story in a Buddhism class. Your story flowed nicely and got the lesson across from the original story.

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