The Buddha visits his former wife and son

6. The Buddha visits his former wife and son

Once, the Buddha returned to his father’s capital to visit his former wife and son, Yashodhara and Rahula.

Yashodhara took Prince Rahula where the Blessed One was. “That monk is your father,” she said. “He had great treasures, which we have not seen since he left home. Go to him and say ‘Father, I am your son. I will be a great king. I need wealth. Give me that wealth, for a son is heir to his father’s property.’ ” The prince . . . followed the Blessed One, saying, “Monk, give me my inheritance.” . . . Then the Blessed One thought: “My son wants his father’s wealth, but that is only something that brings suffering and rebirth. I will give him the noble wealth that I attained at the place of enlightenment.” He turned to a venerable monk and said “Ordain Prince Rahula.” Rahula lived out his life as a monk; his mother became a nun.*

*Adapted from Hajime Nakamura’s 1980 translation of an ancient Buddhist text.