We all have heard about the enlightenment story of Buddha. One day, seated beneath the Bodhi tree Siddhartha got absorbed in meditation. He reflected on his experience of living with an intention to seek the 'Truth'. The story goes on to say that, it is here under this tree that Siddhartha achieved enlightenment and became "The Buddha".
So was this the 'dropping of penny' for Siddhartha? Of course not.
Siddhartha Gautama was born in a royal family as a prince in present-day Nepal. His father wanted to give him a life free of pain and suffering. Wealth, happiness and all the worldly pleasures surrounded Siddhartha. His servants were young, healthy and beautiful. He had unlimited resources to eat, dress, play, study and enjoy life to the fullest. All the books and paintings around him were all cheerful, happy and full of vibrancy. A flower would blossom in front of him but was replaced before it starts fading. He never went outside his palace since his birth.
One day, Siddhartha got curious to see the outer world. He called his charioteer and ordered him to take him outside the palace. As he covers some distance, Siddhartha sees the first shocking sight of his life - an old man. He had never seen an old man (week and frail), ever before. This was a major revelation to Siddhartha as he came to a realisation that one cannot be young forever. He could see how one day he too will be old and will not be able to do all the activities he does today. The second sight was a sick man. He had never come across anyone who was unwell. This shock was hardly over that he came across the third sight, that of a corpse. Thus, the realisation that life is not permanent and death is for all. These three sights were revelations of sufferings and insights of pain in the world.
The penny dropped when Siddhartha saw the fourth sight. A Fakir, mendicant dervish or a holy man. This man was happy, self-sufficient and free from suffering in the midst of it.
The penny dropped when Siddhartha saw the fourth sight. A Fakir, mendicant dervish or a holy man. This man was happy, self-sufficient and free from suffering in the midst of it. The sadhu is at peace with the world even though he has no possessions. This shows Siddhartha that he does not need material things to be happy.
Prince Siddhartha faded away, Gautama Buddha blossomed.
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