The Social Organisation in North-East India in Buddha's Time c9.36

c9.36

That even a whole Brâhmaṇa family, including the parents and two sons, renounces worldly life is mentioned (V. 313). As the eldest son is not willing to lead the life of the householder and as the younger brother also wishes to adopt with him the homeless condition, the parents reflect, “These treat with contempt the enjoyment of the senses, though they are so young; how much more contemptuously should we then treat it; we will all together renounce the householder’s life.” They inform the king of their resolve, give away their entire wealth (eight hundred millions!) from which they keep only a legitimate portion for their kinsmen, set their slaves free and move out of the city to the Himâlaya.¹