Yudhañjaya’s Conduct (CP21)

The Conduct Leading to Buddhahood

The Chapter With Yudhañjaya

The Perfection of Renunciation (1st)

Yudhañjaya’s Conduct

“When I was Prince Yudhañjaya

of infinite fame,

I was stirred with urgency on seeing

a fallen dewdrop in the heat of the sun.

Taking that to be of prime importance,

I fostered that urgency.

I bowed to my mother and father,

and begged permission to go forth.

With cupped palms,

along with the citizens of town and country, they asked,

‘This very day, rule this great land,

so successful and prosperous.’

The King and the Queens,

with the citizens of town and country,

cried pitifully,

as I forsook unconcerned.

Kingship over the entire earth,

family, retinue, and fame—

I gave them up without a second thought,

because it was solely for awakening.

I had no dislike of my parents,

nor did I dislike the great fame.

But because omniscience is precious to me,

that is why I forsook kingship.”