Buddha, The 108 and The Baptist

ON WITH THE STORY
Buddha, The 108 & The Baptist
WGA(W) 07022013
The Medicine Buddha

1
Seq2: CRUTCHES
EXT ROAD, ANCIENT NEPAL DAY
With a rapidly moving mounted-escort lead, the king’s carriage moves swiftly. The escort
halts and dismounts near Prince Siddhartha, who walks unaccompanied toward them.
The king’s carriage stops, the door opens, and first one crutch emerges, then King
Suddhodana steps out using both crutches. Prince Siddhartha goes to him, kneels, and
kisses his hand.
KING SUDDHODANA
That is no longer required in my kingdom.
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
But it is required in mine.
KING SUDDHODANA
My son, please get in this carriage. We can be home by
nightfall for dinner with your Princess Yasodhara and
your fine son Rahula. They long to see you.
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
Father, please come sit with me that I might learn of that
which impairs your walking.
KING SUDDHODANA
(looking around)
This is no place for us to demonstrate our differences.
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
My father, if you value you at all that which I have been
studying these last years, you will come sit with me that
I might learn what impairs your walking.
KING SUDDHODANA
(to an escort)
We shall stop and speak together. It has been so long.
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
May I never forget the respect you have just now shown
for what I have chosen as my work. I thank you, my
father.
(pointing)
Let us use that shade tree. I must know what has
become of your health, for of this no news has reached
me.
KING SUDDHODANA
It is recent, my son. First one of my toes bothered me,
then soon after my ankle, then that knee brought great
pain for time to time, and it was after that I began to use
a cane. And now…

2
(shrugs, points to a larger shade tree)
I think I would be more comfortable over there.
King Suddhodana uses both crutches as Prince Siddhartha walks beside him to the tree.
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
I have learned so much from all the oracles and
medicinal healers who have shared with me their
knowledge that it fills my head to overflowing. I return
without the fulfillment of my quest to conquer old age.
Of all that I learned I can only say, I must now take
sufficient time to make it all into written form, teacher by
teacher, that my brain can make new room to learn
more. But of this you describe, for you the same answer
came from everyone who has been giving sharings. You
must slow down from life, immediately. Right now you
must commence the changing of how you do your
everyday day.
KING SUDDHODANA
That is impossible.
They reach the tree. King Suddhodana leans on the tree to move himself gingerly to be
seated on the ground, giving both crutches to Prince Siddhartha.
KING SUDDHODANA
You have been rejecting offers of a carriage to speed
your journey for days now, again and again sending
back my carriage empty. This has caused your wife
much concern. Because of this I journeyed myself to
meet you today.
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
Father, your recovery will come about the most quickly
if you can imagine that you have removed the crown
from your head and placed it upon my own that I may
make the binding rules necessary for you to be fully
healed.
KING SUDDHODANA
(after some time passes, removes crown)
You speak like a king already, my son. I can easily
imagine your coronation. I would immediately dispatch
runners to reach the far coast and set sail to Lanka, for
their royal family most certainly must be given time to
prepare and make the journey here. Others can make
arrangements more easily. Yes, I can imagine you with
the crown while I am alive to see you become my king.

3
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
My father, all healing and recovery is done in present
time. I cannot be thinking of other times while my
thoughts are concerned with this moment. I will linger
for time enough to put you on a road to recovery, if you
will bind yourself to the thought that I rule your
everyday days, not our kingdom.
King Suddhodana replaces the crown on his own head and relaxes against the tree.
KING SUDDHODANA
I agree. And as soon as we arrive I will arrange for
scribes, as many scribes as are necessary to recount
your…your collection of learnings, as you say. In that
manner I can assist you. May we go now?
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
Your doctor insists that you to put your mind at rest for
now.
KING SUDDHODANA
I think you and I should make an arrangement. Then my
mind will be able to rest.
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
Don’t you continuously “make arrangements” with all
your neighboring kings, my father?
KING SUDDHODANA
Of course I do. And it is time I made an arrangement
with you.
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
As I remember, that invariably means you are about to
ask something which most likely those asked would not
want to give freely.
KING SUDDHODANA
Aye. And I will offer something not easily acquired to
complete the bargain.
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
If scribes are so easily acquired, what is not easily
acquired, my father?
KING SUDDHODANA
Messengers and traveling scribes; letters to neighboring
monarchs asking that you be introduced to their oracles
and medicinal healers, accompanied by the gift of the
work of these scribes as they reproduce copies of what
you have learned far and wide, teacher by teacher, each

4
in its own volume. These gifts will open all doors. And
we shall schedule your coronation. We must allow
enough time for a runner to reach the shore and sail to
Lanka, that that my greatest of good friends, that rascal
the King of Tambapanni, be the one who places our
crown on your head. The Southern Oracle says he is
Vijaya himself, returned to us for a second lifetime. May
it be Vijaya himself. Jai! Jai! Jai!
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
Father, our thoughts must remain on the time we are in.
Good health is not like the tides which return twice a
day or the sun which returns once a day or even similar
to the long sun which returns but once a year. It is
neither a cycle which returns nor a plateau on which to
be. Either one nourishes one’s health or this thing we
call “health” will itself feed off of one’s very life itself…
…until there is nothing left of it.
KING SUDDHODANA
The impermanence of life, is that what you are
describing again?
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
What I am finding through my wanderings pushes me to
begin to think the opposite. Through the mist of my own
blindness I somehow see how it could be possible to
put impermanence onto aging itself, giving
impermanence to the notion of old age. I no longer
speak of the impermanence of life. However, one must
make arrangements with one’s own everyday days to do
that. Jai! Jai! Jai!
(pauses)
Jai! Jai! Jai!
KING SUDDHODANA
In this moment my leg and hip feel surprisingly better. I
am no longer feeling the greatness of that pain.
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
Your body understands my words, dear father, and
sends you a message. Perhaps you will now remove
your sandals?

5
Seq4: CROWN
EXT ANCIENT NEPAL, THE ROYAL CARRIAGE DAY
With King Suddhodana reclining with his legs outstretched, Prince Siddhartha pulls
simultaneously and in varying pulses on both of his second toes, the long toes. The
Royal Carriage bounces along.
KING SUDDHODANA
(softly)
Ah… …. You have mastery.
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
Father, there is a lesson in every toe and every finger.
Each has its own energy as just as each energy has its
own purpose in life.
KING SUDDHODANA
And what do my toes tell you?
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
Of the weight of the concerns on your shoulders.
(pauses)
Father, I know my life style causes you great concern.
What would you have me do to lessen that concern?
These two long toes are on the meridian which carries
the concerns held in view by the mind’s eye, and they
are connected to the eye and vision itself.
KING SUDDHODANA
(closes eyes; long pause)
My son, again I ask: please accept our family crown as
your own.
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
And if I did, would you wear it in my place as I continue
my study across the lands and seas?
KING SUDDHODANA
Proudly, my son.
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
Then we have made an arrangement.
KING SUDDHODANA
My messengers will act as couriers as they rotate during
your travels abroad. (much
more relaxed)
And what will you call this book that I already see
growing into much more that a few volumes so rapidly?
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA

6
It’s name will be what it is. Caraka Samhitā. I am both an
ascetic and a wandering student of the mystery of life;
hence I am a caraka as are those with whom I spoke and
lived. And it will be the collection I assemble from my
travels, a samhitā, a collection.
KING SUDDHODANA
As your Caraka Samhitā grows into a greater volumes,
so will your understanding of that which you seek.
PRINCE SIDDHARTHA
It is one thing to assemble a great collection. It will be
yet another to organize it. And still a third, if it is
possible, to come to understand life as a result.

7
Seq6: FOOTRACE
EXT PALACE GATE, ANCIENT NORTHERN INDIA DAY
Prince Siddhartha walks through the main gate, with his accompanying messengers and
scribes looking unobtrusively like others in the roadway. Suddhodana is there to greet
him.
SUDDHODANA
(laughing)
I would have sent a carriage, but you taught me not to
steal your time that way.
SIDDHARTHA
(laughing, hugging him)
You cannot say you stole that time. I gave it freely.
SUDDHODANA
Freely? I thought you made quite a good bargain.
SIDDHARTHA
I’m so glad to see you looking so youthful, refreshed
and happy. If that is what I came here to see, this has
been time well spent.
SUDDHODANA
I journeyed here with a purpose of a different sort. Come
inside that you might see the reasons for my visit.
INT PALACE, ANCIIENT NORTHERN INDIA DAY
The family of the local monarch sit with a very pregnant woman in her twenties who
stands, following which an old woman, Yasodharā, also stands.
SUDDHODANA
(gestures to stacks of manuscripts)
I brought these along.
SIDDHARTHA
Another could have performed that duty, my father.
SUDDHODANA
This is a version of a different sort. My son, I have taken
great liberty with your work. At first you may not
recognize it, but after a time I think you will.
SIDDHARTHA
What have you done, my father?
SUDDHODANA
These teachings are no longer organized by their
source. Instead there are eight volumes:

8
YASODHARA
(Yasodharā stands)
You do not recognize your wife, my husband?
SUDDHODANA
I have tried to encourage Yasodharā to adopt my daily
routine, with no success.
SIDDHARTHA
(goes to wife)
Yasodharā, you are so often in my thoughts. Each
morning and each evening I hold in my mind an image
of your gracious beauty.
YASODHARA
And what of my ‘gracious beauty’ now that I show my
aging?
SIDDHARTHA
Ever more gracious; ever more beautiful. But why do
you decline father’s offer to join him in a daily routine
which will bring your youth energies back to life?
Please, this mystifies me to no end, my love.
YASODHARA
Why would I want to prolong my life when a woman’s
basic lot in life is suffering, even though there are times
she can escape from it for minutes, hours, even days –
but never for years at a time?
SIDDHARTHA
I do not know what you are talking about.
YASODHARA
I thought not.
SIDDHARTHA
There is such a thing?
YASODHARA
Why do you think Patanjali wasn’t dropped into the
folded hands of some king?
SIDDHARTHA
I never thought about that.
YASODHARA
Women’s suffering results in large part because there is
simply so much that men never think about.

9
SUDDHODANA
(after some time)
My son I challenge you to a footrace, from the palace
gate to the hilltop where you will see a banner blowing
in the wind.
SIDDHARTHA
Father, what if I am in the lead but do not know the
proper turns on the trail?
SUDDHODANA
My running coach has come with us. He will start ahead
of us so the leader has someone to follow.
SIDDHARTHA
(impressed)
Father, as always you think of everything.
SUDDHODANA
(heads off )
Let’s go.
SIDDHARTHA
(following)
For now you can lead the way.
Everyone else falls in behind, heading out of the room.
EXT PALACE GATE, ANCIENT NORTHERN INDIA DAY
The contestants, father and son, stand within the line of the palace gate. The families
surround them.
SUDDHODANA
Are you ready?.
SIDDHARTHA
I am.
SUDDHODANA
Then… …START!
The lead guide starts from well ahead of father and son. Quickly Siddhartha moves into
the lead, with Suddhodana following right at his heels.
SIDDHARTHA
Father, you run well.
SUDDHODANA
For a long time running on flat ground was my choice.

10
SIDDHARTHA
I have not been running for quite some time.
SUDDHODANA
Then perhaps you should practice your own medicine.
SIDDHARTHA
(pulling ahead)
Perhaps.
SUDDHODANA
(exhaling with a pump at every step)
Perhaps.
SIDDHARTHA
(looking back)
Father, you are keeping up with me.
They reach the foot of the hill.
SUDDHODANA
(still pumping with each exhale)
Lately, I have fallen in love with uphill sprints.
SIDDHARTHA
(breathing hard)
I can see that.
SUDDHODANA
(pulling ahead)
There is someone at that banner I want you to meet.
SIDDHARTHA
I shall be happy to rejoice simply at arriving there.
SUDDHODANA
(looking back)
So shall I, my son.
Suddhodana appears to effortlessly continue at his top speed to the hilltop, passing the
lead guide who lingers to lead Siddhartha.
EXT HILLTOP, ANCIENT NORTHERN INDIA DAY
Suddhodana is sitting with the local oracle when the lead guide arrives, followed by a
panting Siddhartha who takes some time to catch his breath.
SIDDHARTHA
(joining them sitting)
I am thoroughly in awe of you, my father.
SUDDHODANA

11
And I of you for making this possible. I must have been
the worst patient in the world.
SIDDHARTHA
Father, you are the only patient to whom I have ever
administered what I have learned. Perhaps you are the
best as well as the worst.
SUDDHODANA
(gesturing)
From this man I have learned that the oracles in
Southern India regularly reach the great ones from the
Vedic times of our Hindu past to gain advice.
SIDDHARTHA
Is that true, my father? Can that be true?
SUDDHODANA
If you care to make that further journey, this man will
lead you.
SIDDHARTHA
Father, please tell me the nature by which you organized
my research, for the answer to that has eluded me for so
long.
SUDDHODANA
It is simple. Eight volumes. The first, remedies, diet and
role of the physician only. The second discusses the
eight chief diseases. The third is limited to pathology
and medical studies. The fourth is my favorite,
embryology & anatomy of the human. The fifth will likely
be your favorite, diagnosis & prognosis. The sixth is
simply special therapie. The seventh you will know very
well, general therapy. Finally the last, which I call the
advanced general therapy.
SIDDHARTHA
I shall begin my review when we descend this friendly
knoll you chose for our talk.
SUDDHODANA
If you find it satisfactory, copies will be made for all
those who have assisted you and copies will be sent to
you in Southern India, as soon as the messengers tell
us of your location. Reaching the great ones from the
Vedic times to gain advice from them as you seek to
solve the riddle of aging may be of great assistance.
SIDDHARTHA

12
Father, I will try to eat what the oracles in Southern India
prepare in order to reach the great ones from the Vedic
times to gain advice from them. And I will ask
Yasodharā’s question: “Why wasn’t Patanjali dropped
into the hands of some king, instead of a woman.” I will
ask about this thing called “woman’s suffering” which
lets up only briefly, then is so certain to return that
Yasodharā rejects the practices we embrace.
SUDDHODANA
(stands up)
Then we have made an arrangement. As soon as you
have approved this total revision of your notes into the
eight volumes I described I will send back all your
corrections and have more copies made by the scribes.
Did you know that for over twenty years now your wife
has been teaching a class for our local boys to learn
writing and become scribes themselves? We have all
local scribes now, and a great many.
SIDDHARTHA
I did not know this.
SUDDHODANA
It is time that you do. And there is more.
SIDDHARTHA
I am astounded. This is wonderful. Of what else am I to
learn from you today?
SUDDHODANA
Your commitment to studying the ways of the Caraka so
touched her heart that she turned your summer palace
in a home to care for aging medicinal healers.
SIDDHARTHA
I must visit.
SUDDHODANA
Now it is more than that. With such good care, these old
ones revived quite a bit. Now, with your permission,
Yasodharā turn your summer palace into a Caraka
school of medicine. Already there are gardens for many
of the medicinal plants.
SIDDHARTHA
(abruptly standing)
I must go to Yasodharā immediately to grant that
permission. She should not have to wait and wonder
one moment longer than necessary.
(after a moment)

13
Father, could it be that such things as waiting for a
husband’s permission contribute to what she calls
“woman’s suffering”?
EXT PATHWAY DOWN THE HILL, ANCIENT NORTHERN INDIA DAY
Suddhodana and Siddhartha walk side by side.
SUDDHODANA
Half of the scribes asked permission to enroll in the
school of Caraka medicine.
SIDDHARTHA
What did you do?
SUDDHODANA
(laughing)
I asked Yasodharā to make the proper arrangements!
SIDDHARTHA
(raptly)
What did she do?
SUDDHODANA
I would say that she conducted an admissions test. She
asked each about the herbs, plants, knowledge and
techniques in the Caraka Samhita, and admitted the two
who did the best.

14
Seq8: VOLUME ONE
INT PALACE DINING ROOM, ANCIIENT NORTHERN INDIA DAY
Siddhartha walks about a dining room table which could seat over twenty, with the entire
table dedicated to arrays of stacks of papyrus writing papers. He returns again and again
to the stack at the head of the table, after perusing other stacks here and there.
SIDDHARTHA
(to himself)
If only I could recognize the medicinal healer or oracle
whose words were the basis of this first volume, words
which so resonate for me, I could tell my father that his
articulations are perfect…
SUDDHODANA
(striding in)
Then you do not recognize your own words, my son.
Your effort to overcome my rigid structure which was
my old way of life is the source of Volume One,
disguised and depersonalized into “remedies, diet and
the role of the physician.”
SIDDHARTHA
Then I must accept Volume One, not approve it, my
father. Thank you. As for the rest, it is perfect. Those
seven volumes organize and present the medicinal
messages I brought home from my travels.
SUDDHODANA
Your life’s work is a huge contribution to the wellness of
mankind.
SIDDHARTHA
If this is all there is to my life’s work, my life’s mission
has been a failure.
SUDDHODANA
All my brethren and their advisors disagree.
SIDDHARTHA
That is not near enough to salve the gaping hole where
my heart bleeds for the unhappiness and misery that
surrounds old age.
SUDDHODANA
My son, take it as a clue that you could not recognize
yourself in Volume One. Of all the advice, yours reaches
into the doctor the deepest and therefore providing the
tool to reach the patient the deepest, enough to turn the
patient on the path to well being.
SIDDHARTHA

15
It is time I faced the test to be an oracle.
SUDDHODANA
If you were to inquire of me regarding my interest in
accompanying you on your journey to Southern India,
disguised as a messenger….
SIDDHARTHA
(lighting up)
You have such an interest?
SUDDHODANA
Indeed.
SIDDHARTHA
And thus would walk as we walk and dress as we dress?
SUDDHODANA
I would.
SIDDHARTHA
I never would have anticipated such a thought from you,
Father.
SUDDHODANA
My son, please say “Yes” or “No.” I find discomfort from
the anxiety of not knowing clearly what is to be your
reply to my question which you did not allow me to
finish making of you.
SIDDHARTHA
Yes, Father, my answer is “Yes.” Please join me on this
next exploration.
SUDDHODANA
Perhaps we might set our day to be off, if it pleases you.
SIDDHARTHA
The morrow for our departure would please me.

16
Seq10: TEACHING PLANTS
EXT TEMPLE RUIN, RAISED GROUND AMIDST RICE PADDY DAY
Thick smoke rises from the center of the temple ruin. There Siddhartha and Suddhodana
sit with the Southern Oracle, passing around a brown clay jug and drinking from it.
SOUTHERN ORACLE
(passing wooden bowl)
Eat.
Siddhartha and Suddhodana each draw a handful of tiny dried fish from the bowl and eat
slowly.
SOUTHERN ORACLE
Which one is father and which one is son?
SUDDHODANA
I am the father.
SOUTHERN ORACLE
The son has much to learn from you.
SUDDHODANA
The son has much to learn from us both, as well as the
teaching plants which you speak of sharing with us.
SOUTHERN ORACLE
You know them as “teaching plants.’ That is a very good
sign.
SIDDHARTHA
The teaching plants in my homeland are more than my
system can abide. My hope is that the teaching plants of
your region sit within me more comfortably.
SOUTHERN ORACLE
The teaching plants of the south are more subtle. They
work quietly within you with the strength of these
mountains. Tomorrow we will go gather what is needed.
Do not talk while we do this gathering. Each of us will
pick the same number of each bark, each flower, each
leaf and each plant. Each will carry it here himself.
EXT JUNGLE DAY
Siddhartha, followed by Suddhodana, follow the Southern Oracle, picking exactly the
number of each ingredient as he does. Day fades into night.
The fire is ready, and all the pickings are diced. The Southern Oracle unwraps a skinned
fox from banana leaves.

17
SOUTHERN ORACLE
This fox was in my snare this morning. Through the will
of the Old Ones, Fox Spirit gave this fox to us today for
good reason. Others at the palace exceed my skill at
reading signs such as this. For them reading signs such
as this has been a life study.
SIDDHARTHA
You are suggesting that we eat the meat of this fox?
SOUTHERN ORACLE
A fox was never meant to be trapped by my simple
snares. Rabbits yes, squirrels, yes, anything that might
want to bother my garden, also yes, but a fox, no, never.
SIDDHARTHA
Why do you say that we must eat it?
SOUTHERN ORACLE
This was so unusual that I sent to the palace that we all
could learn the meaning of this message from the Old
Ones. Ah. The Royal Barge comes now.
EXT DOCK AT RIVER’S EDGE, SOUTHERN INDIA DAY
The local monarch and an entourage descend from the Royal Barge. The monarch is lead
to Suddhodana. Siddhartha follows the Southern Oracle who carries the skinned fox in
the banana leaves to show to a several of the local monarch’s advisors who have headed
straight for him.
ADVISOR #1
This can only mean one thing: the Noble Ones who have
come to you are to be given the wise and wily traveling
cunning of a fox
ADVISOR #2
(speaking to Siddhartha)
This gift from the Old Ones will allow you and your
father to be unnoticed unless you want to be seen.
SIDDHARTHA
But I do not eat meat.
Suddhodana and the local monarch join the group with the Southern Oracle.
SOUTHERN ORACLE
You do not eat meat in the world where you dwell; you
came here to enter the world of the Old Ones. In your
high position, it may be that this gift of invisibility is
essential for your safety.

18
SIDDHARTHA
That would make this the perfect gift for us, except that
it is the meat of an animal.
SUDDHODANA
My son, this gift of invisibility is priceless for us.
SIDDHARTHA
(to himself)
I can see that in my next life it will be necessary to avoid
killing even an ant.
(broadly)
Yes, I will partake of this gift.
SUDDHODANA
How do we properly thank Fox Spirit?
SOUTHERN ORACLE
It is the Old Ones who are thanked if you take to heart
and bring forth within your life that which you are given.
If that is not done, no amount of thanks pays for the life
of this fox.
EXT TEMPLE RUIN, RAISED GROUND AMIDST RICE PADDY NIGHT
The Southern Oracle serves large bowls of the fox gruel he has concocted and hands
one to Suddhodana, the second to Siddhartha and takes the third for himself. He lifts his;
father and son do the same, and all eat, albeit hesitantly at first on the part of Siddhartha.
SOUTHERN ORACLE
Eat heartily of your portion of this meal, and if you
chose to sleep, sleep well. If you wish to tend the fire for
the night through until dawn, please do. This meal and
that which I prepare for your journey will take care of
everything else.
It is the pre-dawn hour. Siddhartha tends the fire while Suddhodana and the Southern
Oracle sleep. Suddhodana stirs and sits up.
SUDDHODANA
That was the most life-like dream that I ever had. I must
recount it to you.
SIDDHARTHA
(pointing eastward)
It must await a better opportunity, my father. Shortly it
will be full light. I am packed and shortly I must move to
the nearby saddle in that mountain range that I might
hear more clearly these songs I have heard all night. Do
you wish to come, my father?

19
SOUTHERN ORACLE
(stirring, awake)
I have cooked down that gruel into a paste that will
become cakes after they are wrapped in banana leaves
and travel with you; you will be seen as pilgrims, for the
place you indicate is a most holy sanctuary for the Old
Ones.

20
Seq12: EMBILICAL
EXT MOUNTAIN TRAIL, SOUTHERN INDIA DAY
A Guide leads an entourage including Siddhartha and Suddhodana. Families and
individuals making pilgrimage go both ways.
EXT NEAR OLD TEMPLE AT MOUNTAINTOP, SOUTHERN INDIA NIGHT
There are many encampments, mostly without central fires. The CAMERA finds one with
a cozy central fire.
SIDDHARTHA
(chants first yoga sutra, repeats twice)
Atha yoga-anuśāsanam.
SUDDHODANA
(joins in)
SCRIBE
(joins in, then writes)
SIDDHARTHA
Father, in our language it means: “This is the supremely
important study of achieving an ongoing, uninterrupted
union with the world one is in, from which comes bliss.”
(enthusiastic)
Father, that was my first teaching, and I saw so many
more. And, I met my teacher. The thing I told you I did
not have, the thing I lacked to do for myself that which I
helped you do for yourself, regain youth as it was,
putting aside that which aging has done, it will come
from this.
SUDDHODANA
I still don’t understand what it is so different now.
SIDDHARTHA
She…
SUDDHODANA
She?
SIDDHARTHA
Yes, she. And scantily clad and as attractive as any
woman could ever dream of being. It seemed to please
her from the outset that I was more interested in her
words than her body.
SUDDHODANA
Um’-hmm.

21
SIDDHARTHA
(using hands to show at left shoulder and armpit)
Her name is Prajnaparamita, and Patanjali sits on her
shoulder with his snake body wrapped under her armpit
and back up so it tucks around his waist.
EXT VEDIC REALITY DAY
Prajnaparamita sits cross legged on an uneven white marble-like floor with Patanjali
wrapped and tucked, sitting on her left shoulder. In the hazy orange mist that surrounds
her, one after another, dozens of flower buds appear, open and disappear, one after the
other, always replaced.
SIDDHARTHA’S VOICE
Together, they could simply “show” me the energies of
anything and everything that our minds talked about
together, while I simply sat there and listened and saw
glowing in front of my closed eyes those pathways of
energy, and how that went to the 108 deities whose
energy chords were woven together to bring about this
round of creation. I asked, “Why 108?”
The Patanjali on Prajnaparamita’s shoulder makes rapid hand and arm movements, using
fingers for a count appearing to cause markers to appear from the hazy mist, in sets of
three, one set at a time. They assemble in a stack, three wide, three across and three
high.
PRAJNAPARAMITA
This represents a three-dimensional reality, but without
a two-dimensional reality to support it, the reality would
dissolve, hence these.
With a few movements of both arms, Patanjali makes three more such sets of stacks,
arranged in two rows of two – a total of four sets of three by three by three stacks.
PRAJNAPARAMITA
Realities before yours, our Vedic Times, that reality
spoken of in Greek mythology, they all came to naught
because they were not woven in a design which assured
the survival of a three-dimensional reality such as
yours. The answer is before me. Three taken three ways,
and each treated as one of two and taken two ways. That
count is 108.
With a dramatic gesture using both arms, Patanjali reorganizes those markers to
arrange themselves singly in ten rows of ten, with two rows of four nearby.
With another such gesture Patanjali restores the four sets of stacks, three wide, three
across and three high – then levitates the four sets of stacks, and combines them into a
single set and CLAPS.

22
The markers expand as if on the surface of an imaginary hemisphere, then settle into a
dome with 108 facets.
PRAJNAPARAMITA
With the help of Vishnu and Patanjali, we continually
use the perfection of our wisdom to work magic from
our dimension to assist with sustaining the peaceful
evolution of your dimension.
PULLING BACK
It is revealed that Prajnaparamita has been sitting and speaking while on one section of
one scale of the shell of the head of a humongous white turtle,
PRAJNAPARAMITA
(distant, deeper, commanding)
Sat-Ya, awaken please.
(she gently pats turtle shell where she sits)
Siddhartha, we give you your youth as many times as
are necessary for you to teach the wise, then find and
teach the wisest of the wise. You will find me simply by
being ready for your next visit, and you will find the tree
which will regenerate your youth.
SIDDHARTHA’S VOICE
How will I know it?
PRAJNAPARAMITA
I will call you from there.
(many love pats on turtle shell)
We must depart to settle for some of three millennia
beneath the waters of Galilee. Within not many centuries
you will come there and meet the youth that you will
teach so that he may teach the rest of the world. We will
watch from beneath Galilee as the watery trends there
begun spread for those millennia and eras that follow.
That is our home.
CLOSE SHOT
Prajnaparamita cross legged on the uneven white marble-like floor with Patanjali
wrapped and tucked.
PRAJNAPARAMITA
While we are so fully in your presence, Patanjali wishes
to share one particularly applicable sutra, one which for
you is especially important to recognize in all of its
aspects, for it is this that you will ultimately teach to the
babe from the lands to which I depart.

23
PATANJALI
Janma-osadhi-mantra-tapas-samādhi-jāh siddhayah.
(pause)
(pause)
EXT NEAR OLD TEMPLE AT MOUNTAINTOP, SOUTHERN INDIA DAY
Siddhartha comes out of trance. Suddhodana and a scribe sit in a small circle near an
encampment. One after another they begin repeating the sutra.
SIDDHARTHA
SUDDHODANA
SCRIBE
SIDDHARTHA
(comes out of trance)
SUDDHODANA
We have written it, my son. While I cannot even begin to
visualize this which you describe, my son, I know that
what I hear of your journey told full and true, even if to
me I am simply hearing the words one by one, but not
understanding those words so grouped.
SIDDHARTHA
Father, she showed me how the Ancient Ones can even
slip words in the mouths of those of us they favor, to
help us shape our own realities, You may even
remember this because the words I uttered about eating
the meat of fox were so uncharacteristic of me, that
even I was wondering for a while.
SUDDHODANA
I think you said, “I can see that in my next life it will be
necessary to avoid killing even an ant.”
SIDDHARTHA
You did indeed.
SUDDHODANA

24
Indeed I do, as if it were only moments ago, for such a
flippant remark is most uncharacteristic of you.
SIDDHARTHA
As teachers I would say that the Ancient Ones must be
considered extreme, but it is of no place of mine to
judge those whose vision and comprehension so dwarf
that which I can assemble. I am to complete that
promise, this life, and it will be our pathway to regaining
all that which aging had taken from us both. I did say
“us”, didn’t I? Would you care to join me on such a
journey, my father?
SUDDHODANA
It would be wrong of me not to say that this is a bit
difficult to imagine, yet it would be more wrong to
decline your offer. You and I, now avoiding the killing of
even an ant, that will start some whispering.
SIDDHARTHA
I must return to that space of an open bone. She calls
my name.
EXT VEDIC REALITY DAY
In the distance is Sat-Ya, a humongous white turtle.
PRAJNAPARAMITA’S VOICE
(distant, deeper, commanding)
Draw me to you, Siddhartha, for I must explain the sutra,
“Janma-osadhi-mantra-tapas-samādhi-jāh siddhayah.”
Use the power from deep within your eyes, both the
eyes you know and that third one, above and between.
The turtle appears to become closer, revealing Prajnaparamitasitting cross legged on the
uneven scale of the shell of Sat-Ya’s head with Patanjali sitting on her shoulder with his tail
tucked under her armpit and wrapped around his waist..
PRAJNAPARAMITA
For us to speak over the time of your forthcoming travel,
simply speak my name and call me as you did. Speak
Sat-Ya’s name as well; she hears everything.
(gentle pats Sat-Ya’s head where she sits)
When you think, , “Janma-osadhi-mantra-tapas-
samādhi-jāh siddhayah,” think of it in terms of being
connected to our times, Vedic Times, for it is from your
connection to our time that your birth gives you magical
powers, it is from your connection to our time that the
plant teachers give you magical powers, for it is from
your connection to our time that your mantras and
practices give you magical powers. Patanjali please help
me continue.

25
PATANJALI
Siddhartha knows what he needs to know.
EXT NEAR OLD TEMPLE AT MOUNTAINTOP, SOUTHERN INDIA DAY
Suddhodana and a scribe sit in a small circle near an encampment with Siddhartha, who
appears to be in trance. A Messenger approaches him hesitantly.
SUDDHODANA
Speak.
Siddhartha appears to be in trance.
MESSENGER #1
The great quiet among the animal life we observe
foretells a greater storm. Should we prepare to break
camp?
SIDDHARTHA
(to Suddhodana)
Breaking camp resonates with me.
(to Messenger #1)
Instruct everyone to be most careful of all life forms,
even the ants.
(to Suddhodana)
Father, shall we assist with this?

26
Seq14: MEDICINE BUDDHA
EXT ROAD TO NEPAL, MAGADHA, ANCIENT NORTHERN INDIA DAY
The entourage from the old temple at the mountaintop now walks a road along a small
river. Siddhartha leaves the road and heads straight for a great, barkless, long-fallen tree,
suspended horizontally a few feet above the ground by rock that dot the terrain in the
shade beneath a great umbrella-looking tree. He climbs and sits on it as if in a saddle,
cups both hands, presses each thumb firmly into the last phalange of each index finger
and digs his other four fingernails into his skin just below each kneecap, then rocks
front-to-back, lifting his knees slightly each time he rocks, increasing then decreasing
his range of motion. The entourage stops and drifts out of the roadway as carts and
travelers go by. Siddhartha rocks on.
Suddhodana walks over, watches, eventually climbs up and sits in a similar fashion, then
attempts to emulate Siddhartha.
SIDDHARTHA
It’s not as easy as it looks.
SUDDHODANA
It doesn’t look easy at all.
SIDDHARTHA
Your thumbs do all the work; simply pulse your thumbs
and everything else happens.
SUDDHODANA
(making small rockings)
Oh, that does work.
EXT ROAD TO NEPAL, MAGADHA, ANCIENT INDIA NIGHT
Suddhodana and Siddhartha rock on; the entourage has set up the primitive camp.
Several brightly dressed Soldiers and a Court Squire walk away from them, shaking their
heads
SIDDHARTHA
King Asoka will not be pleased with them for returning
to his palace instead of guarding us this night. So be it.
SUDDHODANA
I have felt no need for food, no need for rest, and no
need for an armed guard. And we are not being
disturbed, even though down here they know you as
The Buddha. Asoka has made sure of that!
SIDDHARTHA
He taught them well. They may watch, but they accept
and then move on about their day. Father, even in this
light it appears to me that your face is looking more
youthful, for the lines of time, they are retreating.

27
SUDDHODANA
Of you the same I see.
SIDDHARTHA
(changing pitch, in part: BOLDLY)
Oh Ye Ancient Ones, I do this as penance, and yet you
reward me. You give me a renewal, A NEW FEELING OF
FRESHNESS, for which I give thanks.
The bright rays of early morning cut through the forest at the angle of a dawning sun.
Suddhodana and Siddhartha rock on, now kicking their legs left and right as they rock.
SUDDHODANA
My son, I had forgotten your youthful face.
SIDDHARTHA
(laughing, hopping off tree)
This is the very first time I have seen yours! I think we
are ready to continue our trek home and see my son –
and surprise him to the bones!
SUDDHODANA
Mind the ants!
SIDDHARTHA
(looks at ground beneath each foot)
Thank you, father. This is to be a very serious,
purposeful life, with literally every step I take.
SUDDHODANA
(climbs down carefully)
I should think these years ahead would be good years to
voyage to those offshore islands we have been hearing
about for so long.
SIDDHARTHA
(picks up limb to use as walking stick)
And avoid the folly of youth, even if it comes as easy as
jumping off a log.
SUDDHODANA
(following precisely in his footprints)
I shall follow the youth; that will be as easy as not
jumping off the log.
SIDDHARTHA
Your sense of humor was strong when you were young.
SUDDHODANA
The king thing was tough on my sense of humor.

28
SIDDHARTHA
Staying off the ants does keep me in a more serious
mood.
SUDDHODANA
Following in your footsteps lets me flow.
SIDDHARTHA
Dad… Father, I almost called you “Dad.”
SUDDHODANA
Son, please call me “Dad” if you choose.
SIDDHARTHA
I must pay close attention to the ground in the open area
ahead.
SUDDHODANA
(pointing)
Son, King Ashoka arrives; I would know his carriage
anywhere.
SIDDHARTHA
(with each step, purposefully)
Left. Right. Left. Right.
SUDDHODANA
He will hardly recognize me.
SIDDHARTHA
We can only hope.
The carriage stops. Squires and footmen attend to placing stepping platform, and King
Ashoka emerges.
KING ASHOKA
Suddho, greetings. Oh, you look very different!
SUDDHODANA
Ashoka, I have been the student of my son. He is a very
driven man. Thank you for the introduction to the
Southern Oracle.
SIDDHARTHA
My father speaks of you as if you were the brother he
never had.
KING ASHOKA
When my messengers brought the news of this
magnificent transformation, I had to see this miracle

29
myself. No story told by another could remedy the gap
between hearing the words and seeing your faces, so
like you were recently within the wombs of your
mothers.
SUDDHODANA
Ashoka, you are always so extreme with your words and
acts. The milk of my mother’s breast sounds less than
appealing to me.
(Suddhodana and Ashoka hug)
You squeeze me as in a bear hug.
KING ASHOKA
Suddho, you are strong like stone. Your muscles ripple
with strength.
(declaring to all with ears)
I will build a great temple on this spot to commemorate
this miracle.
SUDDHODANA
Not a temple to Buddha I hope. My son goes to extremes
as well, whenever he wants to discourage someone
from doing that.
KING ASHOKA
I know: “No likenesses as long as he walks among us.” I
will build a great temple here, that’s all. I desire no
likeness of your magnificent son on these grounds, for I
treasure that he walks among us. Besides I don’t have
enough artists and sculptors to keep up with all these
changes in appearance, anyway. Just a plain old temple,
that’s all. And maybe one thousand others besides. Or
ten thousand.
SUDDHODANA
(pleading)
Ashoka….
KING ASHOKA
Suddho, you worry too much. Worrying tires a man out.
(pausing)
Suddho, you look like you don’t have a worry in the
world. I can recall your youthful face, but this look with
no worries I have never seen before on you.
SUDDHODANA
I have none. With the help of my son, the sand is back in
the top of my hourglass. And we have a world to visit,
offering help of any sort we can give.
KING ASHOKA

30
Come with me to the palace, and we will feast and show
our thankfulness by opening the gates and feasting for
all the townspeople.
SUDDHODANA
Ashoka, there is a complicated aspect of all this, great
purpose.
KING ASHOKA
Oh, great purpose can result in much complication.
SUDDHODANA
Another time, perhaps.
KING ASHOKA
Instead of announcing that the feasting shall begin
when I return to the palace, I shall announce that the
temple building shall begin.
SHOTS, YOUTH TO PAST MIDDLE AGE, VARIOUS ROADS, VARIOUS PALACES
EXT A TWIN-MASTED DHOW UNDER FULL SAIL IN A BREEZE DAY
INT AFT CABIN OF DHOW UNDER SAIL DAY
Siddhartha sits at a table, writing on papyrus with a reed pen, a hollow bamboo stem
which he squeezes to fill from an ink bottle then very, very carefully wipes at the bottle
nexk until the point looks just right to him. Suddhodana is propped up comfortably, idly
watching the sails and rolling softly with the boat.
SUDDHODANA
Do you remember the tree we were sitting on when we
did this before?
SIDDHARTHA
Of course; I fully expect that to be our destination after
we meet with the Southern Oracle.
SUDDHODANA
That is unfortunate, for I have recently heard that our
healing tree has been removed.
SIDDHARTHA
(turns to him in wonder)
Why, father?
SUDDHODANA
King Ashoka’s advisors determined that it was the tree
we were under which brought about our regeneration,
not the one upon which we sat.

31
SIDDHARTHA
Perhaps it was.
SUDDHODANA
Do you remember that tree, Son?
SIDDHARTHA
Not at this moment, although my gaze had been pulled
there by something, drawn strongly to that old fallen
timber, and left there as I was shown in images to do
what we did.
SUDDHODANA
If it were to have been the Southern Oracle who credited
that tree which we were under, I would certainly accept
his judgment. Let that remain our destination, as we
prepare ourselves to stand in awe of Asoka’s great
edifice.
SIDDHARTHA
I agree, my father. Asoka does not leave a path marred
with error. I am fascinated to gaze upon the tree of his.
(finishes writing)
The magical maiden with form so fair we met while with
the Southern Oracle a lifetime ago has just now had my
attention, and I have made good notes.
SUDDHODANA
(sitting full up; rapt attention)
You have forged through even before we meet the
Southern Oracle, simply eating fish and seaweed?
SIDDHARTHA
(laughing)
I have forged through in the sense of picking up the trail
of our lost youth – and quite easily I might add – but the
bargain is a bit stiffer this time.
SUDDHODANA
(defensive)
I like making simple arrangements. I detest stiff
bargaining.
SIDDHARTHA
Easy, father. We can turn this boat around with a word
from either one of us. This thing which eludes the child
who wishes he was older dwells with us, but in reverse.
If the Ancient Ones offer doors, doors that only they can
open, you can be “in” or you can be “out”, but there’s
no way for me to approach them with a counter offer.

32
SUDDHODANA
Ah, so it is to be their arrangement or no arrangement?
SIDDHARTHA
Yes. We have spent a lifetime healing, teaching, lifting
peoples spirits, knowledge ad understanding – but all
that we did, we had to do one at a time.
SUDDHODANA
Well, what alternative did we have?
SIDDHARTHA
We have one right now. The arrangement with which we
are asked to assist would be more like a form of
sunlight, which lights up the entire world.
SUDDHODANA
Now that captures my attention.
SIDDHARTHA
I knew it would.
SUDDHODANA
Alright, what must we do this time to make the river run
back to its headwaters?
SIDDHARTHA
That’s the odd thing about it. It’s actually two life-rounds
as part of this one exchange, as they put it. A simple
one and a complex one, with the simple one leading.
SUDDHODANA
Just what are we agreeing to do?
SIDDHARTHA
After we relocate our energies of youth, we have the
new endeavor. This endeavor is so establish a trading
business to the west of our kingdom as far as there is
land to walk before meeting another great water they
call the Middle Sea. There we will obtain the familiarity
which would comes from a lifetime of a different sort,
the trading in the unique products and makings in the
lands which surround the far away and troubled
Kingdom of Judah. We will be traders on the island
kingdom of Tyre, which is a great center of commerce
for the entire contained sea before the great ocean
beyond.
SUDDHODANA
I think I have heard of this kingdom. It is really not a
kingdom at all, for the city always finds itself as a vassal

33
paying liege to one sovereign or another, sometimes
changing as quickly as leaves come and go from a tree.
SIDDHARTHA
We are old, old men. We have traveled across much of
the face of time. We are fortunate that our kingdom is
stable. The Ancient Ones have never before shown me
that they care so much about the survival of a single
kingdom. This is how they feel about the Kingdom of
Judea. Secretly, we are to learn about Judea while
appearing to be merchants of Tyre.
SUDDHODANA
Well, then…so far this is not seeming to be forced upon
me. I am a trader at heart, and the role of a spy is
intriguing to me.
SIDDHARTHA
I am writing my son on this subject as we talk. He’s
likely to be as aged as we. Our renewal, our reunion with
our youth, can include his, but if it does, we postpone
becoming traders until after the three of us go to the Far
East, China and Japan. I’ll dispatch this when we reach
the southern shores, and if he desires he can meet us
with Asoka in Magadha.
SUDDHODANA
How strange and yet wonderful it is to view time, age
and aging in this manner. Please continue.
SIDDHARTHA
After this lifelong trading business activity, but before
we return to that tree in Magadha, we return home,
transform ourselves back into the three kings we truly
are, then find a newborn in Judea, an infant whose
hands….
(extends arms, opens palms)
…whose hands WILL carry ten thousand times more
energy than my own and whose life will change sour
moods to sweet. From that much good is to come.
SUDDHODANA
(totally lost in staring at sails)
After we have aged as traders operating from a foreign
land in order to make profitable business arrangements
while acting as spies within this Kingdom of Judea you
describe, what?
SIDDHARTHA
We disappear, return home to adopt the royal personage
from which we have avoided now for almost as long as I

34
can remember, then reappear when we return to this
Kingdom of Judea as visiting kings, still as aged as we
will have become.
(consults note on the papyrus)
And we will leave the gifts of kings to a great future king
before we depart as kings.
SUDDHODANA
Ah, establishing an early arrangement. Now this makes
complete sense to me.
SIDDHARTHA
(from notes)
On the second step of this activity, after the go-around
as our kingly selves, we once again find our youth under
Asoka’s special tree which grants such gifts….
SUDDHODANA
Son, I am feeling overwhelmed and very old at this
moment. Perhaps I should seek my way to a hammock.
SIDDHARTHA
And I as well.
Rahula in traditional Indian long kurta of fine silk in the color of bright silver,
Suddhodana in traditional Indian long kurta of fine silk in the color a glistening gold and
Siddhartha in traditional Indian long kurta of deep, subtle, non-reflective raw silk lapis
lazuli, all three still looking elderly descend from King Asoka’s royal carriage. They stroll
over to the area beneath the great tree, getting the feel of their new garb.
SUDDHODANA
My son, it is very different to travel with you in the
manner which royalty travel.
SIDDHARTHA
It will be very different to be in China. We know little of
their ways and they of ours. All they will know, really, is
what they will see, until much time passes.
RHULA
I think these will become soiled quite easily while
traveling.
SUDDHODANA
We have many, and we will travel with servants.
SIDDHARTHA
Father, we travel not as kings but as some venerable
older ones there to take what time is needed to help
those we meet on our path.

35
RHULA
I am eager for this journey.
SIDDHARTHA
Have you found those to accompany us from among the
students of the school of Carakha medicine?
RHULA
The very best, and I know them well from the years of
my study there.
Siddhartha seats himself on the ground, followed by Rahula and Suddhodana, who sit
facing him, cross-legged, feet and ankles on the ground beneath their knees.
SIDDHARTHA
This is the lesson from the Bodhisattva Tree. For now
we seek not to regain a youthful appearance but simply
to regain strength and energy. We go to the place in the
Far East about which we know little, but we do know
this. They respect old age. Hence we wish to preserve
our elderly appearance.
The fragrant juice of life and rejuvenation here is strong
and we must be careful not to overdo for that reason.
If you feel tired, you may use our traditional mudra very
briefly, pressing the thumb into the lowest phalanx of
the first finger which it will touch. But only for a moment
lest you invoke error.
Instead all mudras will focus on the great toe, for it will
rejuvenate the legs and thighs and that is sufficient.
I demonstrate.
Siddhartha crosses one ankle over the other thigh in a traditional half lotus, and uses the
opposite thumb to push the side of the great toe.
SIDDHARTHA
I am not pushing the great toe; the great toe pushes my
thumb.
(releases; switches legs; repeats)
We will do 108 repetitions of both feet, our movements
together like those of soldiers in an army, then I will
move to the opposite side of you both for another 108
repetitions of both feet. Then we will stand and discuss
how we feel. Let’s begin.
They begin slowly and soon it seems effortless for them to move faster and faster, yet
stay in cadence.

36
SIDDHARTHA
Remember, it is the foot pushing the great toe against the
thumb.
(goes into meditation)
Om, om, om, om…, om, om, OM
Om bhaisajye bhaisajye mahābhaisajya-samudgate svāhā
Om, om, om
EXT ROAD TO NEPAL, MAGADHA, ANCIENT NORTHERN INDIA NIGHT
The royal carriage waits. Eventually the three men stand, moving their legs a bit from
sitting, then lifting them more and more energetically, as they find new life in them.
RHULA
Father, what I don’t understand is why we are being so
respectful of China. Our culture is old, and the Vedic
culture is the oldest there is.
SIDDHARTHA
To one culture what may seem like the oldest there is in
another tradition may seem a mere zygote.
SUDDHODANA
What is a zygote, please?
RHULA
Grandfather, when man and woman mate and the baby
begins as their juices are mixed, it is those mixed juices
which will one day become a baby.
SUDDHODANA
Vedic times were not a zygote!
SIDDHARTHA
Father, if the explanation of the Ancient Ones were put
before you, I think you would think afresh on the
subject.
RHULA
Please continue, father. I must hear these words.
SIDDHARTHA
Before the times of Shiva and Shakti or however you
think of the Vedic times, there was the time of the
dragons and unicorns. China and the Chinese people,
Japan and the Japanese people, and those about them –
they were born of those times.
RHULA
Oh, they are old, old, old.

37
SIDDHARTHA
They can probably see 10,000 more meanings to things
than even your mother.
RHULA
Oh, oh, oh!
INT IMPERIAL COURT, ANCIENT CHINA DAY
Rahula in traditional Indian long kurta of fine silk in the color of bright silver,
Suddhodana in traditional Indian long kurta of fine silk in the color a glistening gold and
Siddhartha in traditional Indian long kurta of deep, subtle, non-reflective raw silk lapis
lazuli, all three still looking elderly, as well as the teachers and students from
Yasodharā’s School of Ayurvedic Medicine are presented to the Emperor.
CHINESE INTERPRETER
(to Emperor)
These wise ones come from the mountains of the
Kingdom of Shakta, where there has been formed a
School of Ayurvedic Medicine. They wish permission to
visit our lands long enough to establish a similar school
and give us a school of such as our own.
EMPEROR
Send for the Imperial Physician.
An assistant scurries off, then returns with the Imperial Physician.
IMPERIAL PHYSICIAN
(to interpreter)
Who are these people?
INTERPRETER
They ask to establish a School of Ayurvedic Medicine in
our lands.
IMPERIAL PHYSICIAN
(to Emperor)
I have head of this; I would attend classes in such
teachings myself, with your approval. It will help with
our knowledge, for already some of our surgeries and
treatments use their teachings.
INTERPRETER
The one in blue is the Medicine Buddha. The one in
silver is the Bodhisattva of the Moon. The one in gold is
the Bodhisattva of the Sun. They wish to travel freely
within our lands, for they appreciate that our ancient
culture – the most ancient of all cultures – help them
understand better how to advise the leaders of their
homelands. Our priests and monks hold them as the
highest level of venerable.

38
EMPEROR
Did they come through Kyber Pass or by sea?
SIDDHARTHA
We came by sea, Excellency.
EMPEROR
You may travel freely within our lands to come to
appreciate our ancient culture, for it is the most ancient
of all cultures, if that will help you understand better
how to advise the leaders of your homeland. You will
need my permission when you seek to depart our lands,
of course.
SIDDHARTHA
Of course, Excellency. Thank you. We plan to stay until
Old Age knocks at our doors, then reunite with our
loved ones at home.
EMPEROR
By what means do you measure our culture as the most
ancient of all cultures?
SIDDHARTHA
Before the beginning of time there were dragons,
Excellency, and there were unicorns, and they battled, I
was shown in meditation.
(pauses)
Excellency, I have never voiced this aloud before. I must
collect my thoughts.
EMPEROR
Our oracles speak of this as well. It puzzles me.
SIDDHARTHA
The processes at other levels of existence than our own
sometimes defy the words available to use, Excellency,
but I can summarize.
(takes a moment)
Deities from a time before continually use the perfection
of their wisdom to work magic from their dimension to
assist with sustaining the peaceful evolution of our
dimension. While the unicorns perished, their purity
became the basis of creating the first humans. Your
people are the heir to the unicorn. That is what I was
shown.
EMPEROR
(laughing)

39
In the times we of such purity take many forms, some
conflicting. That concerns me.
SIDDHARTHA
I hear in your words a love of purity. These are not
simple times. I was shown that the unicorn is the most
feisty and brave of animals, and they all want to eat.
EMPEROR
(laughing)
Yes, and some choose to get fat at the expense of
others. Other than this school, which will be for us, do
you have a goal for your own people while you are here?
SIDDHARTHA
I wish to be able to write about the perfection of wisdom,
Prajñāpāramitā, when I am settled.
EMPEROR
I very much would like to see your words on this.
SIDDHARTHA
And so you shall. We are honored to have the gift of
walking among your people, Excellency, that will be my
gift to you. We expect to walk among your people for as
long as our good health permits, then return home
through Kyber Pass while our bones will still carry us.
EMPEROR
Oh, I long to see the world outside of Kyber Pass. You
will certainly have my leave to exit at that time.
SIDDHARTHA
Thank you, Excellency.
EMPEROR
My advisors said to call you Bhaisajyaguru if I respected
you. Bhaisajyaguru, I can offer your kings one lesson
from our ancient culture. As Emperor I belong to the
people, the people do not belong to me. Hence I cannot
leave this homeland for I belong to it.
SIDDHARTHA
Excdellency, my king will be so happy to hear that. His
land is no longer called a kingdom, it is a republic,
which in our launguage means “for the people.”
However, on misions for people as a whole, he does not
hesitate to go afar and meet those such as yourself.
EMPEROR

40
And you come here with teachers to establish a school
to teach this ayurvedic medicine to us, with no plans to
return to your homeland as long as your good health
permits. If you were of our peoples, I would never allow
those such as you to leave for any length of time. Your
king interests me.
(to his Chief Advisor)
Clear the room. I wish to speak with Bhaisajyaguru in
complete private.
CHIEF ADVISOR
Complete, Excellency? I do not understand.
EMPEROR
You need not understand. You, too, must leave this
room. I want to speak to Bhaiṣajyaguru as one man to
another.
The room is cleared except for Siddhartha and the Emperor.
EMPEROR
My court has no idea how many languages I speak, and I
prefer to keep it that way. I suspect you keep some
things hidden as well, such as the fact that you and that
king of yours wear the same clothes, even the same
shoes and the same smile.
SIDDHARTHA
You are most discerning, Excellency. We even speak to
Emperors from the same throat.
EMPEROR
Your secret is safe with me, and I trust mine to be safe
with you. I wish you good luck with this effort of yours.
(stands and departs)
SERIES OF SHOTS ILLUSTRATING EXAMPLES DRAWN FROM THE TWELVE VOWS:
1. To illuminate countless realms with his radiance, enabling anyone to become a
Buddha just like him.
2. To awaken the minds of sentient beings through his light of lapis lazuli.
3. To provide the sentient beings with whatever material needs they require.
4. To correct heretical views and inspire beings toward the path of the Bodhisattva.
5. To help beings follow the Moral Precepts, even if they failed before.
6. To heal beings born with deformities, illness or other physical sufferings.
7. To help relieve the destitute and the sick.
8. To help women who wish to be reborn as men achieve their desired rebirth.
9. To help heal mental afflictions and delusions.
10. To help the oppressed be free from suffering.
11. To relieve those who suffer from terrible hunger and thirst.
12. To help clothe those who are destitute and suffering from cold and mosquitoes.

41
Seq16: TYRE
INT OFFICES OF SUCCESSFUL TRADING FIRM, ANCIENT TYRE DAY
Suddhodana counts silver coins, while Siddhartha examines for quality in a large stack
of rugs.
SUDDHODANA
It is really quite convenient that your gorgeous goddess
found for us a location which also mints fine coin.
SIDDHARTHA
Does that come as any surprise?
Siddhartha finishes that stack and moves toward the next after passing through a tall
narrow band of light. Methodically, he reverses his movements then repeats the
movement through the band of light. Rahula enters, stops, stares at his father.
SUDDHODANA
Are you feeling alright, my son?
SIDDHARTHA
As this band of light lands within my eyes each time it
somehow triggers images, images of the goddess you
mentioned.
(makes complete repetition)
Rahula, please come over here and do what I have been
doing. I’ll show you again.
(makes complete repetition)
RAHULA
That is sufficient, Father.
(moves to large rug stack)
SIDDHARTHA
Now, before you begin, do as we teach,7 let all thought
fall from your mind like a slowly descending waterfall,
and as the water flows down and passes over and
through each part of your body, it carries away with it all
thought, all stress, all concern about the world.
RAHULA
(in midst of 1st repetition)
Oh!
(pauses, repeats)
Yes!
(and one more with finality)
Father, I see us departing Tyre to return as fully armed
and protected kings bringing samples of fine old rugs of
Judea. We simply wish to see how they were made
before they die. We are kings looking so old and feeble
that they are certainly not dangerous.

42
SUDDHODANA
This king certainly feels his agedness. That sounds like
the best story yet to give the Roman guards who are all
over Judea.
SIDDHARTHA
I will inform our workers that we must depart for our
homeland to report to the great kings who requested
this business this venture, kings now as old as we and
curious to see this land before they pass on to become
ashes.
SUDDHODANA
Son, was what Rahula saw the same as what you did?
SIDDHARTHA
Down to the gnat’s eyelash, Father.
SUDDHODANA
I shall constantly be on the watch for narrow bands of
sunlight when we return as feeble old kings.
RAHULA
As will I, grandfather.
EXT ROMAN GUARD STATION, ROAD TO ANCIENT JUDEA DAY
The royal carriages and a small army are stopped, lined up at the border crossing. The
Chief Roman Border Guard approaches the first carriage. The three kings show their
agedness as each steps down from his carriage and makes his way to toward the Chief
Roman Border Guard.
ROMAN BORDER GUARD
A security detail has arrived to escort you to your
destination. The carriages may enter; the army may not.
You will be escorted back to this point in six weeks time,
or sooner of you wish.
SIDDHARTHA
Very well then. Thank you. May the army make an
encampment in this area?
ROMAN BORDER GUARD
Will you leave coin that they may exchange for food?
SUDDHODANA
Of course.
ROMAN BORDER GUARD
So be it then.

43
SIDDHARTHA
(to driver above)
We can move on now.
The three carriages continue following the Roman Security Detail.
INT SUDDHODANA’S CARRIAGE DAY
Suddhodana watches the scenery through a window opening.
SUDDHODANA
Stop the carriage!
EXT COUNTRY ROADWAY, ANCIENT JUDEA DAY
Suddhodana stands outside his carriage speaking to Siddhartha and Rahula and
gesturing in a surreptitious manner..
SUDDHODANA
Rahula, look just above my left should, about 100
meters from here.
RAHULA
A thin band of light.
SUDDHODANA
Now pick something else over that way which will be
that which we feign a great interest.
RAHULA
That would be the rock formation beyond it.
SUDDHODANA
Now point to it that we both have reason to look.
Rahula points, and the three walk to the band of light, where each makes the series of
movements through the band of light as were made in the offices back in Tyre.
INT SUDDHODANA’S CARRIAGE DAY
Suddhodana, Siddhartha and Rahula ride together. Each appears to be deeply absorbed
in his own thoughts. Eventually Suddhodana reacquaints himself with his surroundings,
as does Siddhartha, then Rahula, who is excited.
RAHULA
The images continued and continued, as if telling us a
story or showing us the way.
SUDDHODANA
I too. I think I know every turn in the road quite well by now.
EXT A PRIMITIVE FARM, ANCIENT JUDEA NIGHT

44
Three carriages and the Roman Security are stopped on a road near the farm. A narrow
band of bright moonlight shines between two barns. Suddhodana, Siddhartha and
Rahula get out of the first carriage.
SUDDHODANA
Do you see it? There’s a band of bright moonlight
striking the ground just this side of those two barns.
SIDDHARTHA
Clearly. Let’s go.
One after another, Suddhodana, Siddhartha and Rahula each makes the series of
movements through the band of light as were made in the offices back in Tyre.
RAHULA
We’re here. I have the frankincense.
SUDDHODANA
I have the gold.
SIDDHARTHA
Through between the barns and to the left, correct?
SHOTS OF THE PRESENTATION OF GIFTS
Each gift is in an elaborate silk drawstring bag bearing the royal seal of the Kingdom of
Shakta.
EXT ROMAN GUARD STATION, ROAD TO ANCIENT JUDEA DAY
There is an encampment of the army at the entrance to the gate. Three carriages come
from within. The gate opens and the carriages come through. Word spreads among the
soldiers to make ready for departure.
SIDDHARTHA
(to his son)
As we travel to Asoka’s wonderful palace and great
temple, to have peace of mind I must know that when we
have fully refreshed our bodies at his magnificent and
magical tree, you will not return here with us but instead
sit on the throne of our kingdom.
RAHULA
As if so often the case when you speak, my father, there
is nothing left to say. I will dispatch myself to our home
the moment we determine that our wellness has fully
returned.
SUDDHODANA
I often wished and hoped that it would one day have
become that easy to give instructions to you.
SIDDHARTHA

45
Father, I know I was not easy to raise.
(to his son)
Our task requires that we go further back in age than
ever before, perhaps even reaching the age he will be
when I journey to Judea once again, to find him as a
young man.
RAHULA
I will miss the company of King Asoka, yet his memory
will live on with me for all time. Am I correct that in
about thirty years our palaces are to be prepares for the
visit of this great and holy man, once he grows toward
maturity?
SIDDHARTHA
There have been so many passings as we have
conducted this business for the Ancient Ones. Of them
all I will miss Asoka the most.
SUDDHODANA
There is one passing at a time when we were abroad
which masked activities and events which by promise I
was to keep solely to myself all these times we have
come and gone from refreshing our bodies at his
magnificent and magical tree.
(cautiously)
You have long assumed the passing of Yasodharā, and
words were said to give you that thought.
SIDDHARTHA
Father, does Yasodharā still walk among the livng?
SUDDHODANA
Years back the success of her school of Ayurvedic
medicine, and even moreso the long string of
successful recoveries resulting from the special training
she gave local women in her school she calls “nursing.”
There methods to care for these elder Caraka like babies
were instructed, to feed them when they wouldn’t eat, to
change them if they were too feeble. She saw a path
leading away from women’s suffering to women’s
strength, holding so many lives in her hands. She
became an oracle, my son, and she too has been
visiting Aoska’ great tree.
SIDDHARTHA
I would welcome the care and some good rest among
the Caraka at Yasodharā’s famous school.

46
EXT WALLED COMPOUND, JAIL, OCCUPIED JUDDEA DAY
Suddhodana meets with Siddhartha away from all other Prisoners.
SUDDHODANA
I have a plan to get you out.
SIDDHARTHA
I can accept no violence, Father.
SUDDHODANA
There would be no violence with my plan.
SIDDHARTHA
If I escape, the Roman guard will pursue us.
SUDDHODANA
With my plan they would not know you escaped.
SIDDHARTHA
Then I must hear of your plan, my father.
SUDDHODANA
There is a prisoner in a nearby village, your age,
bearded and with long hair, who is scheduled to die, a
thief caught many times stealing for his family.
SIDDHARTHA
What does this thief have to do with me?
SUDDHODANA
We can buy his freedom; it will draw no attention.
SIDDHARTHA
What benefit comes from freeing this thief?
SUDDHODANA
I have made an arrangement with this thief.
SIDDHARTHA
Father, you have resorted to making arrangements with
thieves?
SUDDHODANA
Neither the Romans not the Jews want to see you freed
again, not ever.
SIDDHARTHA
That has been made clear.

47
SUDDHODANA
This thief could easily pass as you.
SIDDHARTHA
How would you carry out this arrangement, my father?
SUDDHODANA
The thief would accompany me appearing to be a fellow
messenger. We would bribe the guard and bring water
and a great tub for you and all of us to bathe; you are
known for your affinity to water. With a bribe this could
be accomplished.
SIDDHARTHA
And in your plan I would leave with you appearing to be
the messenger, and the thief would remain here,
appearing to be me.
SUDDHODANA
Exactly.
SIDDHARTHA
As things are now, the Nazarene no longer has me to
lean on, and he has discovered that he is a stronger tree
than me. That fulfills the purpose we were given when
we set forth on this mission for the Ancient Ones. It
would not be wise to alter that.
SUDDHODANA
There are rumors that the Romans want your head on a
platter.
SIDDHARTHA
Father, I accept my fate; if that is to be my fate, then his
will be also be harsh.
UDDHODANA
My son, this would end your life.
SIDDHARTHA
Once again I say to you, I accept my fate. If I accept my
fate, as harsh as it might be, then it will be easier for him
to accept his, should it also be harsh.
SUDDHODANA
You will be sorely missed yet long remembered my son.
I find that my emotions now overwhelm me. I must
withdraw for the day.
SIDDHARTHA

48
Be of good heart, my father. The one we found as an
infant then taught and trained all those years will not
only be remembered, he will change the thinking of
mankind. His destiny reaches beyond ours; it will circle
the globe and fuel the birth of a kinder, more forgiving
world in the times to come. One life is a small price to
pay compared to that.
SUDDHODANA
You are The Buddha; your acts have done the same.
SIDDHARTHA
Yes, Father. And my work is complete. His is just
beginning.
Seq19: SCULPTURING
EXT SHOTS OF TEMPLE BUILDING, SCULPTING THE BUDDHA DAY
In all the lands where Siddhartha walked and on those lands he reached by sail there
commences the building of temples and the sculpting of his image, large and small, in all
the mediums of the time: bronze, clay, wood, stone.

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