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FROM BIRTH TO PARIVRAJA
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over to him. This Siddharth refused to do. A sharp argument ensued between the two.
Devadatta argued that he was the owner of the bird because by the rules of the game, he who kills a game becomes the owner of the game.
Siddharth denied the validity of the rule. He argued that it is only he who protects that has the right to claim ownership. How can he who wants to kill be the owner ?
Neither party would yield. The matter was referred to arbitration. The arbitrator upheld the point of view of Siddharth Gautama.
Devadatta became his permanent enemy. But Gautama’s spirit of compassion was so great that he preferred to save the life of an innocent bird to securing the goodwill of his cousin.
Such were the traits of character found in the early life of Siddharth Gautama.
§ 8. Marriage
There was a Sakya by name Dandapani. Yeshodhara was his daughter. She was well known for her beauty and for her ‘sila.’
Yeshodhara had reached her sixteenth year and Dandapani was thinking about her marriage.
According to custom Dandapani sent invitations to young men of all the neighbouring countries for the Swayamvar of his daughter.
An invitation was also sent to Siddharth Gautama.
Siddharth Gautama had completed his sixteenth year. His parents also were equally anxious to get him married.
They asked him to go to the Swayamvar and offer his hand to Yeshodhara. He agreed to follow his parents’ wishes.
From amongst the young men Yeshodhara’s choice fell on Siddharth Gautama.
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