The Teaching of Buddha [antikvár]

CHAPTER ONE SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA I THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA 1. The Shaky a clansmen dwelled along the Rohini River that flows among the southern foothills of the Himalayas. Their king, Shuddhodana Gautama, had settled his capital at Kapilavastu and there had a great castle built and ruled wisely, winning the joyful acclaim of his people. The Queen's name was Maya. She was the daughter of the King's uncle who was also the king of a neighboring district of the same Shakya clan. For twenty years they had no children. But, one night, dreaming a strange dream, in which she saw a white elephant entering into her womb through the right side of her chest, Queen Maya became pregnant. The King and the people looked forward with joyful anticipation to the birth of a royal child. According to their custom the Queen returned to her parents' home for the birth, and on her way, in the beautiful spring sunshine, she took a rest in Lumbini Garden. - 2 -