B2. The Prince Who Became The Buddha

The Prince Who Became The Buddha

The king had one rule: his son must never see the world outside.

A long time ago, in India, a baby was born. He was a prince. His name was Siddhartha Gautama.

Siddhartha lived a life of luxury. The greatest chefs cooked for him. The best musicians played for him. His parties had the most beautiful women in the kingdom. But still, something felt missing.

The boy could have anything he wanted. But, he wasn't allowed to leave the palace. His father did not want him to see the pain and sadness outside.

Often, young Siddhartha looked at the palace gates, and wondered what was on the other side.

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When he was older, he waited until nighttime. He quietly climbed over the wall.

Outside, he saw suffering for the first time: a sick man, an old man, and a dead man. He was shocked. Why do people suffer? he thought. This question bothered him for many months.

Back in the palace, Siddhartha could not forget what he had seen.

One night, while everyone was asleep, he made a choice. He took off his fine clothes and put on simple robes. He kissed his wife and baby goodbye. Then he left the only home he knew to find out why people suffer.

Siddhartha lived in the forests for years, with no money, food, nor home. Some days he was so hungry he could barely stand. He learned wisdom from many teachers, but found no answers.

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Siddhartha sat under a big tree. It was a beautiful night with bright stars. He crossed his legs and closed his eyes. He thought, I won't move until I understand why people suffer. He meditated deeply.

Soon, the sky turned black. There was a cold wind and crashing thunder.

In front of Siddhartha's face, appeared the demon Māra. Māra looked deeply into his eyes.

Māra tried to scare Siddhartha. He showed him violence and monsters.

Siddhartha did not move. He stayed calm.

Next, Māra sent beautiful dancers and gold. The dancers whispered, “You can be king. You can have anything.”

Siddhartha remained still. He wanted neither riches nor fame.

Māra grew angrier. He shot arrows at Siddhartha. As the arrows came closer, Siddhartha looked at Māra with peaceful eyes. He felt no hate. The arrows changed into soft flowers and fell to the ground.

Māra disappeared. And the sky became clear.

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After seven weeks under the tree, light filled Siddhartha’s heart.

He opened his eyes and smiled. He was now the Buddha—“the one who understands.”

He spent the rest of his life teaching others. One of his lessons was that suffering comes from desire, but this pain can stop. He taught people to be kind, to think clearly, and to help each other.

This is the founding story of Buddhism. Siddhartha showed us we don’t need riches to be happy. Peace comes from within.

The end.