Single parent - what became of Buddha's wife?

Welcome to Kala's Quick Five, where I chat with fascinating authors, artists, teachers and researchers and ask them five questions about their work. Our guest today is Dr. Gabriel Constans, author of the novel, Buddha's Wife. Gabriel Constans has served the community since 1974 as a grief counselor, chaplain, social worker and massage therapist and is certified in Thought Field Therapy (TFT). He is the co-parent to five children in The States and an extended family at ROP Center for Street Children in Rwanda.

Kala: Gabriel, thousands of books, texts and stories have followed Siddhartha's path to becoming The Buddha (and his teachings), but little has been written about his wife Yasodhara, how she reacted to his leaving her and their newborn child in the middle of the night, and her desire to find compassion and enlightenment for herself and others. What prompted you to write this book?

Gabriel: Until it was pointed out to me a number of years ago by a friend, I had forgotten that The Buddha had even been married (when he was known as Siddhartha). Even though I'd been a Buddhist for 40 years, none of my teachers had spoken about it, let alone told me about his leaving his wife and only child just days after he was born. I wanted to give Yasodhara (pronounced Ya show da rah) a voice, as well as all the other nuns and women followers.

Kala: How does the novel discuss the portrayal of women in literature and religious life, in the past and in the present?

Gabriel: Buddha's Wife is told from Yasodhara's perspective, as she is dying. She speaks about her life as a young girl, when married to Siddhartha, her grief and despair when he left, her life later as a nun and when she is older and leaves the order. A number of facts about Buddha's reluctance to allow women to become nuns and his belief that "women would be the downfall of the order"are all spoken of in the story as they happened. Many of the issues women faced at that time and place (India around 550 BC) are still being perpetuated in present day, in a number of religious contexts (not just Buddhist).

Kala: Were this story to take place today, do you think Siddhartha would handle things differently?

Gabriel: Perhaps, but there have been many well known men who have been involved in large religious or social movements in the last century who also had little time for their own families or much connection with their children. We (Sacred World Productions and I) are presently in pre-production to make a film based on the book, yet set in a contemporary setting. It will be dealing with this question most intimately.

Kala: What does the novel teach about compassion, inspiration and forgiveness?

Gabriel: Even though the grief and loss experienced by Yasodhara, her son and family (when Siddhartha leaves them in the middle of the night) was great, she eventually finds a way to both acknowledge the pain and reality that it caused, while also finding forgiveness and compassion, not only for Siddhartha, but for people in general, even the woman she believes became involved with her husband later on. She doesn't forget, but uses her life experience to work on herself and find ways to let go of her anger and resentment.

Kala: In the story, Yasodhara shares her belief that Siddhartha was scared of intimacy, emotion and love. Can you explain the thoughts around this idea to our readers?

Gabriel: I believe some people (historically male) find it difficult to share emotional love and intimacy with another. It is too threatening and raw and reveals the truth of who they are, as opposed to how they perceive themselves or wish to be, that they avoid it altogether or never completely commit. Many men (especially well known) are comfortable being superficially involved with thousands of people (in some role or capacity), but shy away from one to one relationships. In Buddha's Wife, Yasodhara gives examples of why she believes that may be the case with Siddhartha.

Kala: Thanks for your time Gabriel, appreciate your time on Kala's Quick Five. For more information about Buddha's Wife and Gabriel Constans work, visit http://www.gogabriel.com or http://www.buddhaswife.com

Gabriel: Thank you for the excellent questions and the opportunity to share a little about the novel Buddha's Wife.

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Join Kala on July 23-25, 2010 as she teaches at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York for a weekend workshop entitled:
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More about Kala Ambrose: Kala Ambrose is an award winning author, business intuitive and talk show host of the Explore Your Spirit with Kala Show. Her thought-provoking interviews entice listeners to tune in around the globe! Described by her guests and listeners as discerning, empowering and inspiring, she speaks with world renowned authors, artists, teachers and researchers delving into metaphysical, holistic and paranormal topics. As a business intuitive she brings a wealth of knowledge to corporations, businesses and individuals providing insightful solutions with a competitive edge to achieve their business and personal goals.

Kala's book, 9 Life Altering Lessons: Secrets of the Mystery Schools Unveiled delves into the mysteries of ancient Egyptian mystery schools and explains their wisdom teachings. Kala's Guided Meditations CD's include a sacred site trilogy including Spirit of Hawaii, Egyptian Mystery Temple and Tibetan Mountain Journey. Kala Ambrose is a highly interactive teacher on a mission to educate, entertain and inspire. Kala lectures on Wisdom Teachings, Developing Business Intuition, Working with Auras, Chakras and Energy Fields, and Wise Woman Wisdom (also known as the Divine Feminine). More information about Kala at: www.ExploreYourSpirit.com