Distracting Siddhartha

Previously, young Siddhartha demonstrated Samadhi and performed a miracle when the shade of the tree under which he sat remained fixed, defying the sun’s movement in the sky. This extraordinary event captured the attention of King Suddhodana, who expressed reverence towards Siddhartha for the 2nd time. However, he began to worry about the prophecy of Siddhartha becoming a religious teacher.

To keep Siddhartha engaged, King Suddhodana sought advice on activities for seven-year-olds and learned that children at that age enjoy playing with water. Consequently, he planned the construction of a play pool. The Deva King Sakka who was monitoring Siddhartha’s well-being, promptly instructed Visukamma Deva to create a divine pool. This project was miraculously completed overnight to everyone’s astonishment. Until here, we understand that Siddhartha was doted upon and pampered by King Suddhodana. Such pampering usually spoils the kid, but this was not the case for Siddhartha.

Points for discussion

King Siddhartha’s attempt to distract Siddhartha by building him a play pool is very typical of parenting. Some parents today try to distract their kids from undesirable activities by giving them toys or even an iPad for entertainment. But is this the best way to get our kids to stop doing something irritating or undesirable?

Siddhartha’s personality

Siddhartha was a clever and academically excellent child. His teachers were pleased with him, and his humble and respectful demeanor earned him high regard in the palace. Despite living a pampered life, Siddhartha maintained kindness and equality. This was exemplified by his friendship with Channa, the son of a charioteer. This friendship was remarkable because of the prevalent social discrimination in ancient society.

On another occasion, Siddhartha was strolling with Devadatta (his cousin) after an archery lesson. Suddenly, Devadatta saw a swan and shot it down. Both of them rushed to the fallen bird. Siddhartha, being faster, reached the wounded swan first and discovered it was still alive. He carefully removed the arrow and comforted the frightened bird.

When Devadatta came to claim the swan, Siddhartha refused. Devadatta demanded, “Give me my bird! I shot it down.” Siddhartha firmly replied, “No, I won’t give it to you. If you had killed it, it would have been yours. But in its wounded state, it’s mine because I came first.”

Devadatta persisted, and Siddhartha suggested seeking the Sage’s judgment. They presented their case, and the Sage declared, “A life belongs to the one who preserves it. The wounded swan rightfully belongs to Siddhartha.”

The above incident demonstrated the compassion of young Siddhartha and his level-headedness. According to scriptural records, Siddhartha was stronger than Devadatta. As a crown prince who was royally pampered, he did not use force to get what he wanted. Instead, he respected civilness. A characteristic that we will witness throughout his later years.

His friendship with Channa demonstrated equanimity whereby he treated everybody equally and with respect. It isn’t hard to imagine how that friendship would have incited disapproval from some elders amongst the royals.

Introduction: In the pursuit of a meaningful and purposeful life, the question of character and virtue often takes center stage. Reflecting on the life of Siddhartha raises compelling questions about the nature of goodness and whether such qualities can lead to greatness, even in the realm of leadership. Such contemplation naturally extends to the parenting realm: should we aspire to instill Siddhartha-like qualities in our children, or do we fear the impracticality of such virtues in a world that sometimes seems harsh?

Kindness as Strength, Not Weakness: One common misconception is that kindness equates to weakness. Siddhartha’s fearless act of saving a swan, even in the face of a threat (Devadatta was known to be rash and violent, and he was holding arrows during the incident), illustrates that kindness is not a vulnerability but a strength. In teaching our children kindness, we empower them to stand up for what is right, fostering a sense of moral courage that will guide them through life’s challenges.

Moreover, many great leaders demonstrated a high level of compassion which helps win them support from others.

The Battle for Goodness: Siddhartha’s unwavering commitment to goodness is further exemplified in his fearless confrontation with Devadatta, who threatened a swan’s life. This episode underscores that goodness should not yield in the face of adversity. By teaching our children to uphold values even when confronted with challenges, we prepare them for a life marked by integrity and resilience. It is worth noting that Siddhartha referred the matter to a higher authority when he wasn’t able to convince Devadatta.

The Power of Equanimity and Kindness: Prince Siddhartha’s equanimity and kindness earned him the undying loyalty of Channa, who stood by him when no one else did (Later on in life). This narrative reflects the profound impact of goodness on relationships, emphasizing that kindness fosters lasting bonds and support even in the face of adversity.

Cherished Values in Buddhism: Central to Buddhism are values that resonate with universal truths. Teaching our children these values ensures not only their personal well-being but also contributes to the betterment of society. The core values include:

1. Righteousness:
   • Instill a sense of what is right and wrong, guiding children to make ethical decisions.
2. Kindness and Non-Violence:
   • Emphasize the importance of kindness and non-violence as effective means to navigate life’s challenges, promoting harmony and peace.
3. Compassion:
   • Cultivate empathy and the willingness to lend a helping hand, fostering a sense of interconnectedness with others.
4. Equanimity:
   • Teach the value of maintaining balance and composure in the face of life’s uncertainties, promoting emotional resilience.
5. Truthfulness:
   • Encourage honest communication, laying the foundation for understanding and trust within relationships.

Conclusion: As parents, it is our responsibility to guide our children toward a life marked by goodness and virtue. The lessons drawn from Siddhartha’s life underscore that kindness, compassion, and truthfulness are not only practical but essential for personal happiness and the well-being of society. In teaching our children these cherished values, we contribute to the creation of a generation that not only upholds principles but also embodies the qualities necessary for a truly fulfilling life.

May all be well and happy.