Buddha received a letter <br />From Suddhodana, his father, <br />Saying, “Too old I’ve become. <br />I wish to see you, please come.” <br /> <br />Out of his compassion <br />He accepted the invitation, <br />Though detached he was <br />From the family ties. <br /> <br />His father, with tears, told, <br />“Oh my son, I’m now old. <br />Take care of this kingdom. <br />For this, now is the time.” <br /> <br />He replied, “Oh Father, <br />I understand you fear. <br />I’m not the only son. <br />All people are your children” <br /> <br />“For them you care. <br />For you, they’ll care. <br />I look after the mankind, <br />Who suffer in this world.” <br /> <br />As a son, father felt sorry. <br />To miss him from the palace. <br />As a Buddha, father was happy, <br />To see him, working for peace. <br /> <br />Buddha, with the disciples, <br />Went around the city for alms, <br />Which, as a King, he disliked <br />And invited his son for food. <br /> <br />The King said, “My son you’re. <br />How can you go begging here? <br />That too, in your own kingdom? <br />Is it not an act of shame? ” <br /> <br />Buddha said, “I’ve renounced <br />All attachments in this world, <br />And this is how, as a sanyasi <br />I should live on alms daily.” <br /> <br />“Oh Father, I’ve come here <br />To show you the hidden treasure, <br />Which is within yourself <br />As a gem in your life.”<br /><br />Rajaram Ramachandran<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/buddha-22-his-father-s-invitation/
