#(Buddha) 22 His Father's Invitation Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

Buddha received a letter
From Suddhodana, his father,
Saying, “Too old I’ve become.
I wish to see you, please come.”

Out of his compassion
He accepted the invitation,
Though detached he was
From the family ties.

His father, with tears, told,
“Oh my son, I’m now old.
Take care of this kingdom.
For this, now is the time.”

He replied, “Oh Father,
I understand you fear.
I’m not the only son.
All people are your children”

“For them you care.
For you, they’ll care.
I look after the mankind,
Who suffer in this world.”

As a son, father felt sorry.
To miss him from the palace.
As a Buddha, father was happy,
To see him, working for peace.

Buddha, with the disciples,
Went around the city for alms,
Which, as a King, he disliked
And invited his son for food.

The King said, “My son you’re.
How can you go begging here?
That too, in your own kingdom?
Is it not an act of shame? ”

Buddha said, “I’ve renounced
All attachments in this world,
And this is how, as a sanyasi
I should live on alms daily.”

“Oh Father, I’ve come here
To show you the hidden treasure,
Which is within yourself
As a gem in your life.”