Hmm, something about being a dispassionate observer, I think? Turns out I care a lot about this moment, and feel eager to jump into conversations and let my emotions be part of who I am.
We have access to the textual tradition, which describes his existential shock in deeply emotional terms. Such existential shock is a "stirring" force that when paired with serene confidence (upon witnessing the fourth sight) propels one onto the path to freedom from suffering.
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Yes, and the textual tradition has to be read as incomplete, and as performing various functions other than Recording Exactly How it All Went Down. I doubt that "serene confidence" was the only experience he had when he saw the monk
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A mix of desperation, curiosity, derring-do, fear, faith, doubt, defiance was, as likely as not, roiling underneath the lid of serene confidence. That confidence (borne of inspiration) was no doubt powerful, but how could it have been serene?
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but I will always champion those who look for non-renunciative means to find liberation.
Such championing doesn't diminish or occlude my appreciation and respect for those who follow more renunciative styles.