The Buddha at 29

This section covers the events around the Bodhisatta's going forth: the birth of his son Rāhula, his departure from the palace at midnight, the shaving of his head and change of clothes, and his meeting with the king while on his alms round at Rājagaha. The going forth at twenty-nine is stated in the Dīgha Nikāya of the Southern tradition, the Chinese Dīrgha Āgama and several other texts, and is followed throughout; the going forth at nineteen is listed only as an alternative account.