In the ancient Shakya realm, King Suddhodhana discovers that his wife Maya has an intriguing vision. A white elephant bearing six tusks appears within her, signaling that their unborn son Siddhartha Gautama is destined for greatness. The sagacious seer Master Asita witnesses the infant and proclaims that he will become a "chakravartin," the universal sovereign.
At the same time, young Chapra endures the harshness of a rigid caste order. When the Kosala forces advance toward Kapilavastu, Shakya"s capital, Chapra contributes to their withdrawal. Seeking freedom from bondage and a brighter future ever for his mother, he enlists in the Kosala army and pledges to climb its ranks.
As Siddhartha matures, he receives every lesson required for kingship and is guided by wise counselors to rule wisely. Yet he shows little interest in warfare or governing, preferring instead to seek the world"s deeper truths and find deeply truly inner peace. With Kosala"s growing might threatening Shakya and the looming threat to their sovereignty, Siddhartha renounces the throne and departs to pursue the enlightenment he seeks.
Toei Animation Japan