T1:A: Hagiographical and mythological interpretations of the prophecy and early life

The prophecy and early life: The Buddha's destiny is a theme of the birth narratives and involves the relationship between holy men and Kshatriya warrors. Seven holy men predicted he would be a strong ruler, but a sage named Asita recognised the 32 signs of the Buddha, predicting he would aspire to full and complete enlightenment (sambodhi). To avoid this happening, the king ensured the prince lived a life of luxury and avoided any unpleasantness (old age, sickness, death or a wandering ascetic)

Interpreting the hagiographical and mythical elements of the prophecy…