Reading Diary A: Buddha

Maya’s Dream: This story is the beginning of Buddha as Maya will give birth to him. Buddhism actually plays a small part in my culture since several family members have actually became Buddhist monks. The idea of having gods come into your dream and favoring you will blow anyone’s mind. It is a very interesting concept since these Gods gave Queen Maya and King Suddhodana a child who was to become Buddha.

The Birth ofSiddhartha: Queen Maya walked through the garden and gave birth to her son who King Suddhodana named Siddhartha. As their son was born, there was many good things happening around them such as the world being alive and joyful and everything becoming well and rid of evil. The brahmans sang praises that Siddhartha would bring many good things into the world and make it a better and healthier place.

Siddhartha at theTemple: Soon after the birth of Siddhartha Maya passed away and ascended to the sky to join the Gods. Many gifts were given to Siddhartha that would entertain a child of his age. Mahaprajapati who is Maya’s sister, was in care of Siddhartha after the passing of her sister. As Siddhartha and his father went to visit the temple, the statues of the Gods came to life and sang of pride and of Siddhartha.

The First Encounter: In this part of the story Siddhartha has a desire to leave the palace to see some of the outside world. His father knew that he could not stop his son from going out so he ordered people to clean the path where Siddhartha would go to see the garden. It was interesting how King Suddhodana did not want his son to see the sadness of the old, homeless, and ill and paved a way of beautiful and healthy people. What intrigued me more was the fact that the Gods were jealous of such a wealth and joy that they put an old man in the street for Siddhartha to see. After seeing the old man, Siddhartha did not have any joy left and could not find peace.

(Prince Siddhartha)