The Great Going Forth

At age 29, Siddhartha renounced his title as prince. He dismissed his servant, removed his jewels, left his family & palace in the dark of night. He decided to join 5 other mendicants. They excelled in fasting. Buddhist tradition says their meals consisted of one piece of fruit, one sesame seed, & one grain of rice. They believed that the reduction of their body would increase their spiritual powers.