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¡@ ¡@ Siddhartha crossed the Ganges River and passed by Rajagrha, the capital city of Magadha. People poured out to welcome the crown prince of Kapilavastu. Bimbisara, the ruler of Magadha, found out that Siddhartha was staying at the Grdhrakuta (The Divine Vulture Peak). Bimbisara solemnly brought his men and carriages there. ¡@ ¡@ From a distance, Bimbisara was already full of deep veneration by seeing Siddhartha's imposing air and dignified appearance. He decided firmly and told Siddhartha: "I wish to offer you half of my territory, or I can even abdicate the throne to serve you, regardless." ¡@ ¡@ Siddhartha resolutely and gratefully declined Bimbisara's sincere offer. He replied: "I want to cut off from the origin of sufferings of births and deaths, and also make everyone liberated from it. I relinquish the illusive luxuries, and strive for true liberation. With your Royal Highness ruling the territory according to the right methods, the kingdom and the people will be peaceful and happy. That is what I wish most and am looking forward to." ¡@ ¡@ Parting Bimbisara and having crossed the Nilajan River, He met two Brahmacarins (ancient Brahman yogis) and a human genii (an immortal). However, their meditation practice could not lead to true liberation. Their concepts still consisted of the "ego" and no selflessness. Only when the "ego" or "thinking of I" are eradicated and when one could let go of everything, then the practitioner can be truly liberated. Siddhartha left them and went to quest for the true liberation dharma practice. |
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