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CALL FROM HOME
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from house to house to receive alms in the city where he used to ride in a chariot attended by his retinue. His robe is like a red clod and he holds in his hand an earthen bowl.”
On hearing the strange rumour, Suddhodana went forth in great haste and exclaimed : “Why do you disgrace me thus ? Do you not know that I can easily supply you and your Bhikkus with food ?”
And the Lord replied: “It is the custom of my Order.”
“But how can this be ? You are not one of them that ever begged for food.”
“Yes, father,” rejoined the Lord, “You and your race may claim descent from kings; my descent is from the Buddhas of old. They begged their food, and always lived on alms.”
Suddhodana made no reply, and the Blessed One continued: “It is customary, when one has found a hidden treasure, for him to make an offering of the most precious jewel to his father. Suffer me, therefore, to offer you this treasure of mine which is the Dhamma.”
And the Blessed Lord told his father: “If you free yourself from dreams, if you open your mind to truth, if you be energetic, if you practise righteousness, you will find eternal bliss.”
Suddhodana heard the words in silence and replied: “My son ! What thou sayst will I endeavour to fulfil.”
§ 2. Meeting Yeshodhara and Rahula
Then Suddhodana conducted the Blessed Lord into his house and all the members of the family greeted him with great reverence.
But Yeshodhara, the mother of Rahula, did not make her appearance.” Suddhodana sent for Yeshodhara, but she replied: “Surely, if I am deserving of any regard, Siddhartha will come and see me.”
The Blessed One, having greeted all his
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