The ‘Shakya Sangha’ of Kapilvastu was one of the most prominent communities in the foothills of the Himalayas, Nepal and in the border on northern India. The community was known for its rich culture, traditions, prosperity, and political influence. In the sixth century BC, the community faced a severe crisis that resulted in the declaration of a State of Emergency. The main reason behind this Emergency was the growing conflict between the ‘Shakya Sangha’ and the emerging power of the neighboring Kosala Kingdom.

The Shakya Sangha was a republic that existed in the ancient region of Kapilvastu, which is now part of province 5 in the Lumbini state of Nepal. The Shakya people were renowned for their expertise in various fields, including agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship. They were also a staunchly democratic society, with an elected council of elders known as the ‘Gana Parishad’ to oversee their affairs. However, the Shakya Sangha’s political autonomy was threatened by the growing power of their neighboring Kingdom of Kosala state of Northern India.

The Kosala Kingdom was a powerful monarchy ruled by king Prasenjit, who was expanding his empire by annexing neighboring territories. Kapilvastu was strategically important for the Kosala Kingdom because it lay on the trade route between the Gangetic plain and the foothills of the Himalayas. King Prasenjit sought to extend his influence over Kapilvastu through diplomatic means, but the Shakya Sangha refused to submit to his authority.

The conflict between the ‘Shakya Sangha’ and the Kosala Kingdom escalated in the 6th century BC when the Kosala army, under the command of General Virudhaka, attacked Kapilvastu. The defense of the ‘Shakya Sangha’ was weakened by internal dissensions, and they suffered a crushing defeat. The Kosala Kingdom seized control of Kapilvastu and installed a puppet ruler to govern the republic. The Shakya people were forced to pay tribute to the Kosala Kingdom and were subject to various forms of oppression, including forced labor and taxation.

At the same time, there was a water issue between the neighboring villages of Kolia and Shakya regarding the distribution of water during the rice planting season in monsoon. However, the simple issue escalated into a conflict, and the ‘Shakya Sangha’ declared a State of Emergency against Kolia. Prince Shakyamuni Gautama proposed a peaceful dialogue with Kolia at the Council meeting, but the army chief proposed a vote to declare war against Kolia. He obtained an absolute majority to declare war, and despite Shakyamuni Gautama’s protest and objections at the Council House, he was not heard, and ultimately became a minority. As a result, the Council House forced him to leave the palace and go into exile. Prince Shakyamuni Gautama left the palace in the name of peace and prosperity of Kapilavastu.
The annexation of Kapilvastu was a severe blow to the ‘Shakya Sangha,’ who lost their political autonomy and economic prosperity. The ‘Gana Parishad’ lost its power to the puppet ruler appointed by the Kosala kingdom, and the Shakya people were subjected to various forms of discrimination. The Shakya Sangha was also divided by internal conflicts between various factions, including the pro—Kosala group and the anti—Kosala group. These conflicts weakened the Shakya Sangha and made them vulnerable to external threats.
The annexation of Kapilvastu was a severe blow to the ‘Shakya Sangha,’ who lost their political autonomy and economic prosperity. The ‘Gana Parishad’ lost its power to the puppet ruler appointed by the Kosala Kingdom, and the Shakya people were subjected to various forms of discrimination. The ‘Shakya Sangha’ was also divided by internal conflicts between various factions, including the pro-Kosala group and the anti-Kosala group. These conflicts weakened the ‘Shakya Sangha’ and made them vulnerable to external threats.
The situation in Kapilvastu became so dire that the ‘Gana Parishad’ declared a state of Emergency to address the crisis. The Emergency was aimed at restoring Shakya Sangha’s political autonomy and economic prosperity. The ‘Gana Parishad’ implemented several measures to address the crisis, including:
The situation in Kapilvastu became so dire that the ‘Gana Parishad’ declared a state of emergency to address the crisis. The emergency was aimed at restoring Shakya Sangha’s political autonomy and economic prosperity. The ‘Gana Parishad’ implemented several measures to address the crisis, including:

1. Strengthening the military:
The ‘Gana Parishad’ raised a new army to defend Kapilvastu against future attacks from the Kosala Kingdom. The new army was trained in guerrilla warfare tactics and was equipped with weapons.

2. Economic reforms:
The ‘Gana Parishad’ implemented several economic reforms aimed at reviving the Shakya Sangha’s economic prosperity. These reforms included tax cuts, subsidies, and incentives for trade and commerce.

3. Social reforms:
The ‘Gana Parishad’ implemented several social reforms aimed at promoting unity and harmony within the ‘Shakya Sangha.’ These reforms included promoting inter-caste marriages, banning caste-based discrimination, and promoting education for all people.

Some Buddhist scholars say that Shakyamuni Gautama left the palace due to his contemplation of the suffering of old age, sickness, and death. While asceticism may have been a part of his motivation, it wasn’t the whole truth. The main reason for his departure was the political crisis and the prince’s rising personal character, which caused concern among the high-level feudalists, as he was in line to be the next Shakya king.

He traveled to all the villages and cities of Kapilavastu and tried to understand the geography, land conditions, and the problems facing the people. He held public hearings, and the public overwhelmingly supported him. He was the first visitor from the palace to truly listen to and understand the people’s voices. He was intimately familiar with the cycle of human life, birth, suffering, poverty, old age, and death.

Shakyamuni Siddhartha Gautama renounced his royal life at the hermitage of Acharya Bhardwaj in the presence of his fellow Shakya families on the full moon of June. He then rode his horse, Kanthaka, up to the Anoma River, which marked the last border of Kapilavastu. His best friend, Chhanna, saw him off with a heavy heart on the bank of the Anoma River. Thus, Shakyamuni Gautama began his spiritual journey in search of Enlightenment. To be continued…

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Renunciation of Shakyamuni Siddhartha Gautama:
Canonization by Shakyamuni Gautama Buddha:

Dear Sangha ladies and gentlemen, Namaste.
My name is DB Gurung, Nepali diaspora, Lama heredity, and scholar for over a decade. As I studied and realized during my studies, there’re both spiritualism and materialism in the doctrine. We can’t understand both at the same time. Do you perceive Buddhism as a religion or as an art of living? Do you know the real difference between religion and the art of living? I believe that everyone must learn to survive on their own, regardless of their profession or level.

In my belief, Buddhism is a cosmology, and ‘Enlightenment’ is the eternal light in the subconscious mind. The subconscious is defined as the actions and reactions we experience when we think about it. When it blossoms, darkness disappears by itself. Many venerable are ready to bloom, but none have echoed yet. A sharp question always arises: “Is Buddhism for the benefit of the community, or is the community for the benefit of Buddhism?” What is the correct answer? Community or Buddhism? If community is the correct answer, we need to practice it according to the timeline and our needs. Today, we’re in the early third decade of the 21st century, and we must work with high technology to meet our daily needs.

Believe it or not, this’s reality. To be honest, I practice Buddhism as an ‘art of living’ to meet the demands of my daily life. I’ve limited desires and am always content, finding everything simple, easy, wonderful, and marvelous. Do you agree with me? If yes, let’s work together to build our prosperous community through the digital system. This’s the main reason why I’ve shared my personal experience on the topic of “State Emergency of Shakya Sangha at Kapilvastu.” Are there any missing points in this chapter? How do you like it? If you find it interesting, please share it with your friends. Your valuable comments would be highly appreciated to upgrade this article. Thank you.