40
KEY
word underline = action/tableau
word bold = speak in unison
word bold + underline = unison + action/tableau
worde bold with e = speak in echo
worde bold with e + underline = echo + action/tableau
s= Stand Up t= Sit Down /= Pause
BUDDHA WALKS Edition 4.1 Copyright © 2013. RS9 All Rights Reserved.
PROLOGUE
O listen good people and see what we say Come gather now closer to hear our fine play.
’Tis a tale of true glory This question—our story:
Must a prince lose it all to find his own way?
It did thus begin with the birth of a son Who could walk, so it’s told, and talk from day one.
Came sages aplenty, this child to see They spoke not in riddles but prophecy:
Great king or a Buddha would this newborn be.
The proud father wept upon hearing their views So afraid—his son—the Prince he would lose.
“Not a Buddha—not he A great king just like me!”
But no one could know what Siddhartha would choose.
BUDDHA WALKS
2.
SCENE ONENARRATOR 1
In a grand palace…
ALLBY THE BANKS OF THE RIVER GANGES…
NARRATOR 1A desperate king…
ALLSUDDHODANA…
NARRATOR 1Awaits his trusted advisors.
KINGWise and loyal Brahmins. Counsel me. I am troubled by this worry in my soul.
BRAHMIN 1With good reason, my Raj.
KINGI sleep not. Nor do I eat. Surely our gods—some prayer, some magic, something—can save my son from the beggar’s bowl and rags.
NARRATOR 1The advisors consider together for a long moment.
3.
BRAHMIN 2O mighty Suddhodana, there is but one way to save the boy from a ragged monk’s fate.
KINGTell me and I shall do it! Sure as I am your king.
BRAHMIN 3If, as is foretold, your son—Prince Siddhartha—will one day rule great kingdoms, these three sights MUST be kept from his eyes: old agee…illnesse…and deathe.
BRAHMIN 1Yes, my Sovereign. Thus say our deepest meditations. SUFFERING must never sadden the Prince’s noble heart.
ALLSO…
NARRATOR 1Servants surround the boy with every known treasure.
SERVANT 1 (kneels)Wild berries in sweet cream, my Prince.
PRINCEThank you.
SERVANT 2The Palace Players to serenade you, young Raj.
PRINCEThank you.
4.
SERVANT 3Your royal bath, Master—golden jasmine and myrrh.
PRINCEThank you all!
CHORUS 1.1The King filled his court with joys beyond measure Enchantments galore for Siddhartha’s pleasure.
(a)
(b)
CHORUS 1.2Yes, the King filled court with joys beyond measure Enchantments galore for Siddhartha’s pleasure.
(c)
(d)
5.
CHORUS 1.3But, a life free of pain still left the Prince sad Then back crept the Brahmins—their King boiling mad.
ALLMANY SEASONS PASS…
NARRATOR 1The careworn King counsels with his advisors once more.
KINGBrahmins. These 16 years, have I not done all you asked?! Not one single sadness has my son seen. And still, I fear he will leave me. What shall I do?
NARRATOR 1A mysterious wind BLOWS through the palace as an other-worldly Temptress—invisible to the King—suddenly appears…
ALLBEFORE THE AWESTRUCK BRAHMINS.
BRAHMIN 3Who are you?
MARAMe? Who am I? Your constant companion. Your EVERY desire. Why, MARA, of course. Your dreams come true!
KINGWell?! Speak up, you three. I want answers!
6.
NARRATOR 1Mara whispers something to the anxious advisors.
BRAHMIN 2What did she say?
BRAHMIN 3Find him a what?
NARRATOR 1Mara whispers again, and the Brahmins smile.
ALL 3 BRAHMINSMy Raj—just find the boy a BRIDE!!!
SCENE TWO CHORUS 2.1
So, families were beckoned all ’cross the great land Bring forth your fair daughters to seek the boy’s hand.
(a)
(b)
7.
ALLMAIDENS EVERYWHERE…
NARRATOR 2Make ready now to appear before the Prince.
MAIDEN 1 (swoons)He’s charming.
MAIDEN 2So handsome!
MAIDEN 3DIVINE!
CHORUS 2.2Yes, families were beckoned all ’cross the great land Bring forth your fair daughters to seek the boy’s hand.
(c)
(d)
CHORUS 2.3But could beauty and charm, high style or grace Bring sparkle back into the Prince’s dark face?
8.
ALL EXCITEMENT BUILDS…
NARRATOR 2As dazzling young maidens…
ALLEACH WITH HIGH HOPES…
NARRATOR 2Now gather in the great royal hall.
KINGTo your favorite among them, Son…give these fine pearls.
PRINCEI have no favorite, Father.
KINGBut these are the very loveliest lotus blossoms on all the River Ganges. Just waiting for you to choose.
NARRATOR 2Siddhartha hands those pearls to the first maiden he sees.
PRINCEPearls. Girls. I have no interest in any of them.
KINGWhat kind of prince are you?! Lost in dreaming all day.
NARRATOR 2Siddhartha just smiles.
9.
PRINCEHave you never asked yourself… Where do the flames go when the fire goes out? What makes the Heavens BLUE? Not dreaming, Father: Searching…Wonderment… Meditation!
KINGMeditatione?! Meditation is for grown men.
(shouts)A prince needs a BRIDE!!
PRINCENever will I marry. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ev—
NARRATOR 2He stops, struck speechless as Mara parts the maidens to reveal a miracle. His heart’s true desire…
ALLYASODHARA!
NARRATOR 2The Prince takes off his necklace. But, just before he can slip it over her head…sly Mara whisks his Chosen One away.
MARASee there.
(winks to the audience)That wasn’t so hard. Now was it?
ALLSTILL…
10.
CHORUS 3.1The young girl’s strict father demanded a test To ensure that our Prince proved truly the best.
(a)
(b)
NARRATOR 2The kingdom will host a tournament of skill.
CHORUS 3.2Yes, the girl’s strict father demanded a test To ensure that our Prince proved truly the best.
(c)
(d)
CHORUS 3.3So…the games were made ready for all to begin Our maiden would marry whomever did win.
11.
SCENE THREEALL
WITH THE TOURNAMENT ABOUT TO BEGIN…
NARRATOR 3Yasodhara looks worriede. Unnerved by the Prince’s cousin and arch-rival…
ALLDEVADATTA…
NARRATOR 3Who struts with a long bow in hand.
DEVADATTAThis is hardly a fair fight, Cousin. I am Devadatta. In all India—none is my equal with arrow and bow!
PRINCEAnd none to equal ME…
(points to Yasodhara)for the love of this bride.
NARRATOR 3Nearby…the King also worries with his Brahmins.
KINGHow could this have happened?! My son—?
ALLHIS SON—?
12.
KINGIn a test of MANLY skill? I’d sooner stake his future on our milk cow!
NARRATOR 3The Prince listens, with Channa—his loyal charioteer— there by his side. They’ve overheard the King’s insults.
PRINCEEven my own father doubts me, Channa. And you?
CHANNAKind Master, I have no doubts. The gods walk with Prince Siddhartha in all things. Of this, I have long been sure.
PRINCEWell, if ever I needed them…today is that day.
BRAHMIN 1CONTESTANTS. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
ALLAND SO THEY DO.
NARRATOR 3Outdoors now, the entire kingdom waits…
ALLBREATHLESS!
NARRATOR 3As Archer #1 steps up. Draws back the bow. Heads turn and eyes follow once he lets his arrow flye. From afar…
13.
ALLA TOURNAMENT JUDGE…
NARRATOR 3Calls out the archer’s distance.
JUDGE5 LEAGUES 7.
NARRATOR 3The proud contestant takes his seat as Archer #2 steps up.
(once he does)Draws bow. Then lets HIS arrow flye.
JUDGE…5 LEAGUES 3.
NARRATOR 3He steps aside…
ALLDEFEATED.
NARRATOR 3Devadatta—brimming with confidence—now takes his stance. Draws bow mightily. And sends his shot soaring.
KING………Well?e
JUDGE…7 LEAGUES 6!
14.
DEVADATTAMatch that!!
BRAHMIN 2Impossible.
BRAHMIN 3It’s hopeless.
KINGWe’re lost!
NARRATOR 3Devadatta now hands his bow to the Prince…who hesitates.
ALLTHEN…
NARRATOR 3Draws it back fiercely. And finally…lets arrow FLYe.
PRINCEWill that do?
NARRATOR 3Heads crane as all await the Judge’s call. None more eager than Yasodhara, who cannot hide where her heart lies…
ALLWITH THE PRINCE!
15.
JUDGE……9 LEAGUES OR MORE!!!
DEVADATTAHe won?!
CHANNA You won!!
KINGHe WON!?
PRINCE…I won.
YASODHARA……And so did I.
ALLBEAMING NOW…
NARRATOR 3Yasodhara drapes flowers around her Prince’s neck.
MARA (to audience)Did you think I’d let it happen any other way?
CHORUS 4.1So, a day was soon set by the stars for their feast As was wedding custom in lands of the East.
(a)
16.
(b)
NARRATOR 3The King’s court prepares now for a royal marriage.
CHORUS 4.2Yes, a day was soon set by the stars for their feast As was wedding custom in lands of the East.
(c)
(d)
CHORUS 4.3All present stood spellbound and watched in a hush As she vowed him her love and smiled with a blush.
NARRATOR 3Bride and groom now kneel before the three Brahmins, while the entire kingdom…
ALLSTANDS WITNESS…
NARRATOR 3To their wedding.
17.
BRAHMIN 3Thus—in accord with our sacred Vedas—we join Prince Siddhartha to Yasodhara, his chosen bride. May they live together in happinesse and harmonye. And let no man or worldly cause come between them. This in the name of great Brahma. Om Shanti.
ALLSHANTI OM.
NARRATOR 3The couple now rises to CHEERS from all. As they slowly circle the gathering, Prince and Princess are showered by lotus blossoms and perfume.
CHORUS 5.1Hence, together they lived a life without tears Harmony…happiness, for 13 sweet years.
(a)
(b)
NARRATOR 3Seasons come…
ALLAND SEASONS GO.
18.
NARRATOR 3King Suddhodana—overjoyed—now seeks out the royal couple. A rumor has the palace in an uproar.
KINGTell me it’s true!!
YASODHARAOh yes, my Raj.
PRINCEYasodhara and I have been blessed with a son.
KING…A SON!!
CHORUS 5.2Yes, together they lived a life without tears Harmony…happiness, for 13 sweet years.
(c)
(d)
CHORUS 5.3Yet despite all this bliss, just ’tween you and me Still our King forgot NOT that old prophecy.
19.
ALLEVER WATCHFUL…
NARRATOR 3Suddhodana commands his Palace Guards.
KING (loud)Guards! Hear me well. Let no one pass these gates!
SCENE FOURNARRATOR 4
Siddhartha paces the palace like a tiger caged.
CHORUS 6.1“But Father,” spoke the Prince, “how can I be king? For beyond royal walls—I’ve seen not one thing!”
(a)
(b)
CHORUS 6.2Yes…“Father,” spoke the Prince, “how can I be king? For beyond royal walls—I’ve seen not one thing!”
20.
(c)
(d)
CHORUS 6.3Still, the Prince had a point, the King would agree If his son was to rule, the world he must see.
NARRATOR 4Channa now leads his master through city streets. The Prince walks, amazed by the many wonders he beholds.
ALLMEANWHILE, BACK IN THE PALACE…
NARRATOR 4Suddhodana meets with his Brahmins.
KINGFear not, wise ones, your warnings of old. The world he sees is a world of MY making. By royal decree, all signs of suffering from our streets have been cleansede.
NARRATOR 4But suddenly…
ALLAN OLD WOMAN…
21.
NARRATOR 4Grabs the Prince.
OLD WOMANAlms. Alms. Alms for a poor old wretch, my Raj.
PRINCEChanna. Who IS that…thing?!
CHANNAA crone, Master. Advanced in years. Alas, such is what time shall do to us all.
PRINCENo. Is it sadly so?
NARRATOR 4But his loyal aide can say nothing to cheer him.
ALLIN THAT MOMENT…
NARRATOR 4The Prince knows what he must do.
PRINCEChanna. Take me, then. Show me the truth of life. Please—I must know it now. I must see it all.
NARRATOR 4Together, they thread their way to the edge of the crowd where a beggar lies, wracked with pain.
PRINCEOutcast—why do you suffer so?
22.
SICK MANI am sick, Master. My body fails me.
CHANNA (to the Prince)As will be our fate one day. All of us, I’m afraid… Even you.
PRINCEAnd Yasodhara, too?
CHANNAYes. Yasodhara, too.
PRINCEAll is not happiness? Forever? How then does it end?!
CHANNAIt doesn’t, my Prince.
NARRATOR 4Channa points to a corpse in funeral procession.
CHANNAThe wheel turns: birth…death…and turns again with birth once more.
PRINCEOnly to suffer all this anew? For eternitye? Are the gods that cruel?! No, Channa—there MUST be another way. An end to all this hardship and pain.
ALLNEARBY…
23.
NARRATOR 4A homeless monk…
ALLA WANDERING RISHI…
NARRATOR 4Answers.
RISHIAnd so there is. Without attachmente there can be no pain. But one must pay the Rishi’s price. Leave behind all in this world that holds you. For, only by losing something great can one find that which is Greater.
PRINCEAnd what is that, Baba?
NARRATOR 4But the Rishi just touches his forehead to the Prince’s feet.
CHORUS 7.1Upon hearing those words, Siddhartha soon knew That his path to the truth would break hearts in two.
(a)
(b)
24.
CHORUS 7.2Yes, hearing those words, Siddhartha now knew That his path to the truth would break hearts in two.
(c)
(d)
CHORUS 7.3But wife, child, nor kingdom—Siddhartha felt sure Could keep him from seeking sad suffering’s cure.
SCENE FIVENARRATOR 5
Back inside the palace now…
ALLSIDDHARTHA…
NARRATOR 5Finally approaches his father…the King.
PRINCEWith your permission, my Raj… I must go.
25.
KINGGoe? Go where?! Your destiny is here, my son. Vast kingdoms await you!
PRINCEYes, Father. But not to rule.
KINGWhat have you seen that stirs you so?
PRINCESuch sadness and—
KINGDon’t answer. I already know.
(shouts)DOUBLEe THE GUARD!
PRINCEThe truth cannot be caged, Father. And neither can I!
NARRATOR 5Siddhartha, a tear in his eye, turns away. And starts to walk out on the King.
KING No. Son. Please!
(reaching for him)DON’T GO!
PRINCE (turns and bows)Farewell, my Raj.
26.
ALLAND HE’S GONE.
NARRATOR 5The Prince enters his royal bedroom. Almost waking his true love—he stops instead. There are no words to say goodbye.
CHORUS 8.1Still his wife and their child knew nothing of this Yet as they lay sleeping, he left with a kiss.
(a)
(b)
CHORUS 8.2No, his wife and their child knew nothing of this Yet as they lay sleeping, he left with a kiss.
(c)
(d)
27.
CHORUS 8.3With the gates guarded twice our Prince held his stride And somehow—some way—those gates opened wide.
NARRATOR 5Siddhartha starts through them…
ALLWITH CHANNA RIGHT BEHIND.
KINGSTOP HIM!
YASODHARANo, great Suddhodana.
NARRATOR 5Yasodhara has awakened, and joined the King at his side.
YASODHARAWe shall miss him as a desert misses rain, my Raj.
(a brave smile)But, if we love the Prince… We must let him GO.
ALLSTILL…
NARRATOR 5Mara is taking no such advice.
MARAWait, wait, wait, wait. Not so fast. You, Prince—and you alone—shall rule the WORLD, if thou will but staye.
28.
PRINCEStay?
MARAYes! Millionse shall bow to…KING Siddhartha.
PRINCEMillions?
MARAAn empire so grand—
PRINCEChanna. Turn back!
CHANNAMaster?!
PRINCE —And take my crown with you.
MARAWHAT!?
NARRATOR 5He hands it to Channa as Mara scowls.
PRINCE Goodbye, my friend.
NARRATOR 5Siddhartha bows…
ALLAND STARTS AWAY.
29.
CHANNAGreat Prince…
(Siddhartha doesn’t stop)…Goodbye!e
EPILOGUE
Now homeless and hungry, the days took their toll As our Prince, now in rags, begged food for his bowl.
No soft beds of feather Just cold rain and weather.
Fed only by seeking now food for his soul.
Six years did he wander from guru to sage Still searching for answers to sorrow and rage.
But no one could teach him how to get free No one knew the way—no one held the key. So, down he sat under a grand Bodhi Tree.
While day passed to night there, Siddhartha sat still And battled sly Mara, who tempted his will.
The light deep inside him Nirvana would guide him.
As Prince became Buddha…his fate he’d fulfill.
30.
RIGHT MINDFULNESS:
Close your eyes. Take a moment. What can you wake up to right now?
• Sounds? • Sensations in your body? • Feelings in your heart?
“I am awake.” — Buddha
KEEPING CONSTANT AWARENESS
31.
RIGHT EFFORT:
Write about a time when you did not give something your best effort, in school, at home, doing sports, or in a job:
Did you suffer because you did not give it your best? If so, how? From the consequences, or from knowing inside that you could have done better?
Now, recall a time when you did give something “your all.” Did you feel good about your effort? If so, why—because you had pleased someone else, or pleased yourself?
STRIVING FOR WHOLESOME ACTION & ATTITUDE
32.
RIGHT SPEECH:
Think of three occasions when you gossiped about someone, or spoke false and angry words: 1.
2.
3.
Choose one example above, where you did not practice Right Speech, and reflect upon what your words might actually say about yourself:
NOT GOSSIPING NOR SPEAKING FALSE OR ANGRY WORDS
33.
RIGHT CONDUCT:
Recall a time that you suffered because of something someone did to you…
Why did this person try to hurt you? Is it possible that he/she was suffering, too? If so, what do you imagine was causing his/her pain?
If this person was, in fact, hurt or suffering, can you forgive what he/she did to you?
“HE WHO CAUSES SUFFERING SHALL SUFFER.” — Buddha
NOT ACTING SELFISHLY OR HARMING OTHERS
34.
alas: an old-fashioned word to express sadness or regretalms: charity; money, food, clothing given to people in needarcher: a person skilled at shooting a bow and arrowarch-rival: chief competitor; special enemy or adversaryawestruck: filled with wonder or fear by something powerfulbeckoned: called to come or go somewhere beggar’s bowl: used by monks or the poor for receiving foodbindi: makeup or jewel worn on forehead over the “third eye”bliss: great joy; pure happiness; beyond pain or sufferingBodhi Tree: tree under which Buddha found enlightenmentBrahma: supreme spirit of the Universe; All That IsBrahmin: priest; member of the highest Hindu castebride and groom: the woman and man to be married or wedBuddha: enlightened one; specifically Siddhartha Gautamacareworn: worn out by sadness, cares, or worries; haggardcharioteer: driver of chariot, a horse-drawn two-wheeled cart corpse: the body of a dead personcounsel: advise; to give advice or solutions to problems crone: an old womandecree: an official order, usually issued by a ruler or kingdestiny: fate; the future or larger purpose of a person’s lifedharma: applying the teachings of Buddha in life and workempire: the states or territories ruled by a sovereign or king enchantments: things that charm, delight, or cast a spell ensure: to make sure; to guarantee
GLOSSARY
35.
eternity: forever; time without beginning or end; the afterlifefate: the future; destiny or the larger purpose of a person’s life glory: great acts or deeds worthy of praiseguru: teacher or spiritual guide; a Hindu holy personharmony: in sync; a state of peace, love, or inner balance heads crane: to stretch one’s neck in order to see heir: person receiving property or title upon death of anotherhesitate: to pause or wait; sometimes to reconsiderIndia: a country and subcontinent in southern Asiaindignity: an insult or humiliation causing loss of self-esteeminsults: mean, cruel words or actions intended to hurt someone jasmine and myrrh: pleasant smelling plants, used in perfumes karma: fate; destiny; any action that brings a consequenceleagues: measure of distance—one league = roughly 3 mileslotus: tropical water lily, grows in mud yet prized for its beautyloyal: on your side; someone who can be trusted or counted on maidens: young women or girls mantra: sacred word or sound chanted in meditationmeditation: the practice of looking inward; inner concentrationmonk: one who devotes his life to religion, living in a monasteryNirvana: heaven; at one with All That Is; release from rebirthOm: Sanskrit word for Oneness; the first sound of the UniverseOrient: Asia; all lands of the Eastoutcast: someone not accepted; pushed away; shunned prophecy: to foretell the future; words of a prophet; prediction
GLOSSARY
36.
rage: anger; fit of temper; fury Raj: short for Raja; king, sovereign, or rulerriddle: difficult, mysterious, or unsolvable problem or puzzleRishi: spiritual seeker who gives up worldly ambition and thingsRiver Ganges: longest river in India, its waters believed sacredroyal: anything of, from, or by a king or queen; kingly rumor: statement that has not been proven, yet is widely knownsacred: holy; anything of spiritual importancesage: wise, learned one; elder with insight into mysteries of lifeserenade: to sing or play music for someone, often a love song Shanti: Sanskrit blessing of Peacesovereign: king; ruler with total powerspellbound: hypnotized; in a trance; under a spell stir: to become excited or upset by someone or thing strut: to act cocky; to show off; to walk with lots of confidence suffering: to feel sadness, hurt, or pain; heartache tempted: to be attracted by something one desires or wants temptress: female with powers to tempt or seducetook their toll: to be forced to pay a price; to lose something tournament: organized competition between many participantsVedas: ancient Aryan stories of heroes and gods, in verse formVedic: of or relating to Aryan beliefs; the foundation of Hinduism wedding custom: rules, beliefs, or practices regarding marriagewhisk…away: to suddenly remove or hide someone or thing wretch: a miserable or unfortunate person
GLOSSARY
37.
rage: anger; fit of temper; fury Raj: short for Raja; king, sovereign, or rulerriddle: difficult, mysterious, or unsolvable problem or puzzleRishi: spiritual seeker who gives up worldly ambition and thingsRiver Ganges: longest river in India, its waters believed sacredroyal: anything of, from, or by a king or queen; kingly rumor: statement that has not been proven, yet is widely knownsacred: holy; anything of spiritual importancesage: wise, learned one; elder with insight into mysteries of lifeserenade: to sing or play music for someone, often a love song Shanti: Sanskrit blessing of Peacesovereign: king; ruler with total powerspellbound: hypnotized; in a trance; under a spell stir: to become excited or upset by someone or thing strut: to act cocky; to show off; to walk with lots of confidence suffering: to feel sadness, hurt, or pain; heartache tempted: to be attracted by something one desires or wants temptress: female with powers to tempt or seducetook their toll: to be forced to pay a price; to lose something tournament: organized competition between many participantsVedas: ancient Aryan stories of heroes and gods, in verse formVedic: of or relating to Aryan beliefs; the foundation of Hinduism wedding custom: rules, beliefs, or practices regarding marriagewhisk…away: to suddenly remove or hide someone or thing wretch: a miserable or unfortunate person
ESSAY
What do you want out of life when you grow up? 1.
2.
3.
If Prince Siddhartha had everything you say that you want when you grow up, why did he leave his kingdom behind?
38.
