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¡@ ¡@ After a long journey, the two noblemen found the crown prince sitting underneath a tree with legs crossed. The two noblemen tried to persuade the crown prince to return to the palace. The crown prince said, "In order to sever forever the miseries of birth, aging, illness, death and separation from the beloved, I have to leave them determinedly. Once I am enlightened, I will be able to help them to depart from these distresses forever. " ¡@ ¡@ He continued, "cause and effect and transmigration are real. Birth, aging, illness, and death are our greatest sufferings. The wise one notes the turning of day and night and the changing of seasons and confirms the truth of transmigration of births and deaths. To be able to break away from births and deaths relies on one's determination and effort. I am determined to stay in the mountains and woods to meditate. I wish to cut off the root of sufferings of births and deaths and strive for happiness in the future life. If I do not attain enlightenment, I will not return." The Crown Prince then got up and headed north. ¡@ ¡@ The two noblemen returned and reported to the king. Suddhodhana selected five honest and loyal men to follow and attend to the crown prince. They were Ajnata-Kaundinya, Bhadrika, Dasabala-Kasyapa, Mahanama-Kulika and Asvajit. |
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