k. Suddhodana, to prevent his son from leaving the castle, surrounded him with every luxury and indulgence possible. Siddhartha was married and moved into a walled palace, never allowing him to see the four signs. One day, the prince managed to get out of the palace walls and venture through the town. The prince at twenty-nine saw all of the four signs and gave up his worldly life (Duane 6). Siddhartha left his home and walked to the hills where many hermits lived, eventually gaining enlightenment. He attained Nirvana and his face shown with ecstasy. His heart was filled with profound mercy and compassion. He wanted to share what he had with humanity. He traveled all over India and preached his doctrine and gospel. He became a savior, deliverer and redeemer (Armstrong 66). The number of Buddhas followers increased, as he became known for his earthly philosophies and loving acts. Buddha requires every Buddhist monk to take a vow, to abstain from killing any living being. In order to honor this vow Monks must stay in one place the entire rainy season of four months to prevent from killing the countless small insects (Sivananda 21). This to me shows great appreciation for life, regardless of how small. I feel more compelled to look lovingly on all things, even a spider on my wall. Perhaps I will capture it and let it outside now, instead of killing it. His sacrifice of movement for four months is so great, that I think it isnt so large an effort to be more cautious of life around me. All life is beautiful, no matter the color, size, or breed. It is irrational to think that just because I am larger or smarter or more religious that my life is more important than that of a bug. Who gave me the right to take another life? One day Buddha saw a herdsman taking his sheep and goats through a narrow valley. Buddha noticed a small hurt lamb trying to keep up with the bunch. Buddha held it and said, It is better to relieve the suffering of an...
