Rahula was the son of Prince Siddhartha before the prince left home to become the Buddha. A few years after he attained enlightenment, the Buddha came home at his father's invitation to give sermons to the royal family and the general public. Young Rahula, then seven, was delighted to see his father for the first time. The Buddha's wife, Princess Yasodhara, was full of mixed emotions about his return. She caressed young Rahula, hoping that his innocence would persuade the Buddha to return as the prince and as her husband. However, it did not work. In fact, the Buddha had other plans. He feared that in the near future, Rahula might ascend to the throne. Rahula was still too young, and placing him on the throne would put the whole nation in danger. Hence, the Buddha told Sariputra to take in Rahula as the first novice in the assembly.