Renunciation
He was but a common man, though born to rule a Kingdom Supernatural powers he had none; but lots of compassion and wisdom Shielded from pain and poverty for fear he would renounce it all King Suddhodana ensured his son, was groomed to reign above all. A patient doubled in pain, crying aloud in agony
A corpse being carried to the pyre, by a sad bereaved family
A senile man so crippled, who could hardly find his way
A serene monk so peaceful, no worries to cloud his day
These four foretokens did, so disturb his mood and mind
How do we alleviate suffering? He felt compelled to find Musicians and dancing girls performing for his fun and pleasure He quietly stole away, depressed and filled with displeasure.
He looked into Yasodara’s chamber, where lay his newborn son
No time for fond farewells, a swift glance and he was gone. Channa-his lifelong friend, confidant and able minister
Was woken to fulfil his role; a final task to administer
The birth of a son and heir, is unique and special we’d say
How could he leave Rahul on such a memorable day? Abandoned without any warning, such a loving and dutiful wife
He left to show us the way to ease suffering in life.
Kantaka – his favourite stallion; saddled up ready for the night Ahead lay an uncertain journey, as he prepared to take flight
He rode into the moonlit midnight, no star to guide his way
Until he reached Neranjana; the flowing waters lapped the bay. With several sweeps of his sword, the long hair locks were shaved Discarding princely attire, a saffron garb was draped
It was too much to bear; it broke loyal Kantaka’s heart
To watch his lifelong master, renounce and thus depart.
Fickle fortune, shallow life, birth brings suffering and pain
Birth after birth in Sansara, it does perpetuate the same
To break this vicious cycle, avoid greed and attachment
As in the Eightfold Noble Path, practise compassion and detachment In Four Noble Truths he taught us; Greed is the cause of pain
Pain needs to be abolished, but how can we achieve this aim? Torturing himself in extreme, he sought this route in vain
Walk the Middle Path – he finally did proclaim.