Cutting the Locks

After alighting from his horse Kanthaka, Siddhartha stood by the bank of the Anoma River. Holding a sword in his right hand, Siddhartha said, “these locks of mine do not suit a recluse, I shall cut them”. Again, Siddhartha said, “these garments of mine are priceless. They are not proper for one who is an ascetic.” He tells Channa, “Take Kanthaka together with my garments and ornaments and return home. I will become a recluse.” Then Channa, after doing obeisance respectfully to Siddhartha and circumambulating him, took the bundle of the prince’s belongings and departs with the horse Kanthaka.