Having abandoned severe fasting, which had rendered him feeble and sickly, Siddhartha swiftly regained his health within a week. Nonetheless, this choice stirred discontent among his five ascetic companions. They felt betrayed and disappointed because it seemed like Siddhartha was giving up on Enlightenment. Consequently, they opted to part ways with Siddhartha. Despite facing abandonment from his comrades, Siddhartha remained undeterred in his new conviction.

Alone in his pursuit, the Bodhisattva Siddhartha delved into his unique style of meditation, immersing himself in introspection and mindfulness. For fifteen days and nights, he persisted, supported by the solitude that enveloped him. It was on the fifteenth night, just before dawn, that Siddhartha’s journey took an extraordinary turn as he entered the realm of dreams.

In the first dream, Siddhartha envisioned himself reclining upon the great Earth, his head resting on the Himalayas while his body covered a vast expanse of land and oceans. This dream foretold his future attainment of omniscience and his role as a Buddha among humans, Devas, and Brahmas.

The second dream unfurled as a towering stalk of grass emerged from Siddhartha’s navel, reaching towards the heavens and piercing into space. This symbolized the growth of wisdom and insight, it hinted at his ability to impart the path of the middle way to both humans and celestial beings.

The third dream, though eerie in its imagery of creeping maggots, carried a message of profound significance. Siddhartha dreamt that a vast number of maggots covered his legs up to his knee. It signified the multitude of laypeople attired in white, who would flock to the Buddha and seek refuge in his teachings.

In the fourth dream, birds of varied hues approached Siddhartha from the four cardinal directions, only to transform into a pristine white upon bowing to him. This vision heralded the embrace of his teachings by people from all walks of life, transcending societal boundaries and distinctions. Those who do so shall attain the stainless state of enlightenment.

Finally, in the fifth dream, Siddhartha found himself traversing a mountain of excreta without being stained —a metaphor for his future acquisition and utilization of material requisites without attachment or negativities.

As Siddhartha awoke from these visions, he was filled with a profound sense of purpose and clarity. Each dream had offered glimpses into the future, affirming his resolve to pursue enlightenment for the betterment of all sentient beings.

The above marked the last dreams of Siddhartha because he would attain enlightenment that very day. After full enlightenment, one no longer dreams. This is because one is awakened.

May all be well and happy.

Discussions

1. Navigating Disagreements on the Spiritual Path: Siddhartha’s choice to diverge from his ascetic companions resulted in their discontent and eventual parting of ways. What lessons can be drawn from this scenario about handling disagreements and differing paths on the journey toward spiritual realization? Is the courage to stay true to one’s conviction important? Even to the extent of being forsaken?
2. The Power of Solitude and Introspection: Siddhartha’s solitary meditation for fifteen days and nights led to profound insights. How does solitude contribute to spiritual growth, and what role does introspection play in deepening one’s understanding of oneself and the world?
3. Symbolism in Dreams: Each of Siddhartha’s dreams carries profound symbolism related to his future role as a Buddha and the teachings he would impart. While some of the dreams may seem disgusting and disagreeable to us, it was heralded as bearing good omens. With such hindsight, should we be worked up by our dreams? Perhaps, we do not have the wisdom and insight to look upon it from a different perspective?