Much of Buddha’s life is understood as a myth, though it is based to some degree on actual occurrences. Certain elements have been exaggerated and emphasized in order to make specific points. Gautama’s father was the ruler of the Shakya clan; he was disturbed by a prophecy made by fortune tellers that his child possessed a strong inclination to become a religious leader. His father tried to prevent the prophecy by shielding his son from the cruelties of life by keeping him inside the castle walls. After Gautama was married and had a son he convinced his father to allow him to go outside the castle walls to see the town. His father, in an effort to preserve Gautama’s innocence, sent out retainers in advance to clear away any disturbing sights. Despite his father’s efforts his was unable to prevent Gautama from witnessing, on three trips, three successive surprises: a crippled person, an aged person, and a funerary corpse. Shocked by these sights Gautama questioned his father’s men, and they explained to him the realities of sickness, aging, and death. Gautama had one more experience that would guide the way to his path, he saw a wandering monk who was striving to attain liberation. After this Gautama became more and more restless, until finally one evening Gautama left his wife and son to begin his quest for enlightenment.
Source: Patterns of Religion
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