Today’s Excerpt: Buddhist wisdom tale: Finding strength and purpose in youth

Before he was known as the Buddha — a name meaning “the enlightened one” — Siddhartha Gautama was a prince born in a palace. His father gave him every material comfort he ever needed and protected him from knowing about pain, sickness, suffering, or death. However, as Siddhartha grew up, he felt restless. He yearned to see what was beyond the palace walls.

Worried that his son would leave, Siddhartha’s father ordered his servants to lock the gates and keep an eye on the prince.

But the prince found a way to sneak out, and he traveled to the city marketplace. There he saw the suffering of the world: a beggar, a person who was terribly ill, and someone who was on the verge of death. It all filled him with terrible sadness.

He returned to the palace, but he couldn’t forget all the suffering he’d seen. He longed to find a way to alleviate such pain. So he gave up his life of riches and comfort in the palace, and left to find answers.

Discuss:

• When he was young, Siddhartha Gautama noticed what captured his attention and followed his curiosity. Is there anything you are interested in that you’d like to explore?
• Think of one thing you love to do. Can you think of a way you can use it to help others?