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¡@ ¡@ Siddhartha no longer searched for teachers or methods, He went to Gajasirsa (Elephant's Head Mountain) near the Nilajan River and underwent rigorous ascetic discipline. He sat leg-crossed beneath a tree, not bothered by the wind or rain, not getting up or lying down. He followed strict disciplines. He ate a hemp-seed and a grain of corn per day. Ajnata-Kaundinya and the other four men followed Siddhartha and also underwent ascetic practice. They already sent one man back reporting to Suddhodana. ¡@ ¡@ When Suddhodana heard the news, he was mournful; he organized 500 carts of provisions. Meanwhile, Mahaprajapati and Yasodhara also arranged 500 carts, rushing them to Gajasirsa for the crown prince. When the cart driver saw the Prince's emaciated appearance, he was sorrowful. Siddhartha said, "I parted the family, abandoned the kingdom and came here to attain enlightenment. I am not going to accept these offers." The cart driver returned the thousand carts and he stayed behind to serve the crown prince. ¡@ ¡@ Siddhartha put all His effort into the practice. Six years passed by rapidly, His merits and meditation practice were gradually reaching completion, but he still had not succeeded on the Grand Path. Siddhartha therefore went to Nilajan River where He bathed and washed his clothes. After that, he sat erect. ¡@ ¡@ There were two shepherdess, Nanda and Para. When they saw the crown prince, veneration grew in their heart. They washed and milked a strong cow and prepared milk broth. They offered the milk broth to Siddhartha. After the crown prince took the offering, His physical strength was restored and His face radiant with well-being. ¡@ ¡@ Ajnata-Kaundinya and the other four men thought that Siddhartha had abandoned the meditation practice, so they decided to leave the crown prince and continue their own practice at Mrgadava Park (The Deer park) in Varanasi. |
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