Page:Henry Mulford Tichenor - The Buddhist Philosophy of Life.djvu/11

 Rh When the guests arrived, and the people of the city of Kapilavatthu had assembled to test the prowess and learning of Siddhattha, he proved himself superior in all the exercises of both body and mind; so that there was no rival who could equal him. He replied wisely to the questions of the sages; and when he questioned them, the wisest among them were silent.

Then Siddhattha chose a wife. His choice fell upon his cousin, Yasodhara, the daughter of the King of Koli. To them was born a son whom they named Rahula, meaning a "fetter," or "tie," and Suddhodana the king said:

"The prince has begotten a son, whom I will love as I love the prince. This will be a tie to bind Siddhattha's heart to the interests of the world, and the kingdom of the Sakyas will remain under the sceptre of my descendants."

Unselfish in his aims, loving his child and the people. Siddhattha bathed his body in the Ganges and cleansed his heart in the waters of the law. Even as men desire to give happiness to their children, so did he long to give peace to the world.

The king had given the prince a palace, resplendent with all the luxuries of India. All sorrowful sights, all scenes and knowledge of human misery, were hidden from the prince; for the king wished that no sorrows or evil should be known to him.