Entry #3

540 B.C

    My path with the Samana's has ended and my new path begins. Govinda and I have traveled far from where we had once lived as Samanas to now a flourishing city that is also the home of the Buddha, the Illustrious one, Gotama. As we were getting ready to beg for food at the first house, we were offered food by a most generous woman. There, I asked if this is the city in which the Buddha dwells. She indeed pointed us in the right direction of the Buddha. My new path has been finally set and here is where I will start my journey.


    I guess Govinda and I weren't the most original when it came to journeys. Large crowds of believers and curious people all awaited for the teachings from Gotama. All the monks and followers there looked the same. But it was I who spotted the Illistrius buddah right away.
            
    I could not believe that I was going to learn something new from Gotama. I just felt such curiosity for his teachings. Though the teachings have been recited to me on multiple occasions, it was only second or third hand information. When I finally heard his teachings, even his voice was perfect. It has a certain calmness to it and was full of peace. The Buddha taught of suffering, the origin of suffering, how to relieve suffering. By the end of his speech night had fallen. He then rose and accepted someone to walk beside in the search for the relief of all suffering. Shy Govinda had also risen and joined the Buddha. It was then and there that i knew my close friend was now leaving me for his own set path that he had chosen.


    I have now realized that this is not the chosen path that is right for me in life. All the teachings that have crossed my path have not seemed to lead me to what is right for me to follow in life. If the Buddha's teachings can't entice me then I don't think anything ever will. I still have yet to seek the innermost part of myself.


-Siddhartha