Meenakshi Dwivedi
Ancient texts as old as time, mention stories of a prince divine.
Prince Siddhartha one day just upped and left.
Leaving behind his wife and baby bereft.
He wanted to know the meaning of suffering and life.
And could no longer stay with Rahul and Yashodhara, his wife.
A royal who lived in a palatial abode.
Now with a begging bowl and out on the road.
His wife never remarried and stayed on her own.
She brought up Rahul with no help, all alone.
No anger or longing, she accepted her fate.
Towards Buddha she showed no hate.
Under the bodhi tree, he gained enlightenment.
Serene smile on his face, such contentment.
Yashodhara’s actions showed supreme sacrifice.
She loved her husband, the ever-dutiful wife.
If such events happened in today’s world….
There would be screaming matches, cursing and dishes hurled!
Times have changed, we’ve moved on you see.
Men and women are equal and work as a team.
Taking turns to cook and clean.
If he’s the king, then she’s definitely his queen.
Today’s marriages are an equal partnership.
No force or obedience…it’s not ownership!
What would Buddha do in this present life?
Would he take the same steps towards his child and wife?!
*Bodhi Tree: is the sacred fig tree ( also known as peepal tree) under which Buddha sat and gained enlightenment.
*Buddha: born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama around 567 B.C.E in a region on the border of present day Nepal and India. He became known as the Buddha when he gained enlightenment. Its means “enlightened one”.
*Rahul: he was the son of Buddha.
*Siddhartha: this was the name that Buddha was known as before he left to seek enlightenment.
*Yashodhara: she was Buddha’s wife. He left her and his son behind when he left on his journey to seek enlightenment.
Dr Meenakshi Dwivedi is a Doctor and lives in the U.K. She finds her job incredibly rewarding and is married to a Doctor as well. She enjoys spending time with her two children, writing poetry and going for long walks with her dog.
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