欢迎访问本站。
Previous The Birth of the Buddha
The Birth of the Buddha
8. Return to Kapilavastu
Seven years after he left his native city the Buddha decided to return to
Kapilavastu. King Shuddhodhana had not yet forgiven his son for the "Great
Departure," which had caused the cruel disappointment of his dynastic
expectations. Shuddhodhana even reproached his son for degrading himself as a
beggar in his hometown in front of everybody. The Buddha's former wife Yasodhara,
who had lived for eight years as a "monk's widow," had never given up hope of
winning back her husband.
When the Buddha paid a visit to his father's house, as the bas-relief from
Amaravati (Figure 11)
portrays, Yashodhara adorned with all her jewels pushed the fruit of their
union, Rahula, now aged eight, to him, saying: "Rahula, that is your father. Go
and ask him for your inheritance!" Yashodhara had in mind the kingdom. Little
Rahula did as he was told. He greeted the Buddha politely, and waited until his
father had left the house without giving any direct answer. Then Rahula followed
him with these words: "Shramana, give me my inheritance!" The Buddha's reaction
was as dignified as it was effective. He instructed his chief disciple
Shariputra to ordain the boy as a novice, saying: "This is your inheritance."
Yashodhara was again left with her vain hopes and her jewels, much to the
grandfather's sorrow.
Next
感谢您访问本站。