At the start of the Buddha’s ministry, the 60 missionary arhat monks would bring recruits back to him for ordination. Soon after, however, the Buddha formalized a simple procedure for monks to ordain others themselves. This made the process faster and more practical. Ordination involved shaving the head and beard, donning robes, and reciting the Three Refuges three times. The monastic rules for monks and nuns were minimal at first. The numerous rules observed today developed gradually in response to situations.

After teaching at the Deer Park for a short while, the Buddha journeyed toward Uruvelā and stopped in the Kappāsika grove. There he encountered thirty princes, known as the Auspicious Group, who were enjoying themselves with their wives. One prince, lacking a wife, had brought a courtesan, but she ran off with their belongings. While searching for her angrily, they came upon the Buddha and asked if he had seen a woman.

Instead of answering directly, the Buddha asked, “Which is better—to seek a missing woman, or to seek your own self?” Struck by this question, the princes admitted it was better to seek themselves. They then listened to the Buddha’s teaching and gained varying levels of realization before requesting ordination. All thirty became monks.

When the thirty princes approached the Buddha searching for a lost woman, he asked them a striking question: “Which is better — to seek a missing woman, or to seek your own self?”

If we imagine that question in today’s world, perhaps the Buddha might ask: “Which is better — to seek a promotion, or to discover your true nature and your real purpose?”

It is a question that cuts across time. Modern people may not be chasing after a thief in the forest, but many still feel bewildered by existence. We ask: Who am I? What am I supposed to do with my life? What is the purpose of humanity itself? These questions surface when our achievements feel hollow, when routine loses its meaning, or when life suddenly reminds us of its fragility.

How do people cope today?

• Some turn to careers, relationships, and creative projects to give life direction.
• Others seek guidance in therapy, psychology, or philosophy.
• Many turn to faith, meditation, or spiritual practices for a deeper anchor.
• Still others distract themselves with entertainment, consumerism, or fleeting pleasures.

Yet, as in the Buddha’s time, these strategies often leave the deepest questions unresolved.

The ancient Buddhist approach was different: rather than endlessly rearranging life’s circumstances, it invited seekers to go directly to the root of suffering — ignorance of our true nature. By cultivating wisdom, seeing impermanence, and letting go of attachment, one could gain Nirvana, the freedom that ends bewilderment. In that state, questions like “What is the purpose of life?”  and “Who am I?” dissolve, because wisdom itself reveals life’s clarity and wholeness.

For modern people, the Buddha’s challenge remains relevant: are we spending our days chasing after lost belongings — promotions, possessions, recognition — while neglecting the deeper search for who we truly are?

The story of the princes reminds us that discovering the truth of our own existence is not only possible but transformative. Gaining wisdom, then as now, is what finally turns bewilderment into peace, and restlessness into happiness.

And if we have enough faith in Nirvana, we have to start practicing the Noble Eightfold path and aim for at least a glimpse of anatto (Later known as Shunyata).

May all be well and happy.