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The Person of Siddhartha

Thich Nhat Hanh · August 2, 2000 · Lower Hamlet, Plum Village, France
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Siddhartha, not a deity but a human being, married Yasodhara and had a son named Rahula. He loved the spiritual life even though his father wanted him to become a king. Siddhartha despised politics, feeling that power did not change society, and decided to find a path outside of politics. Yasodhara understood that Siddhartha wanted to seek the Way despite his love for the family. Siddhartha decided to leave his luxurious life to search for deeper meaning. Yasodhara was heartbroken but understood that love requires freedom. Siddhartha shared with Sana before leaving the palace. Thich Nhat Hanh emphasizes that children need support and understanding from their parents during their growth, especially to avoid societal pressures and to seek their own identity. He warns about the dangers of drugs and encourages parents to become companions rather than controllers of their children.

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