when the brothers reached the ages of 23 and 21 years old, the eldest brother, tissa kumaya, who had strong moral principles, had mastered the skill in meditation of remorse. he realized that no being was free from suffering old age, pain, and death. he decided to retire to the forest and become a recluse. he met with his younger brother and discussed his plans for abdicating the throne. he asked his brother to assume the position of king instead of himself and to take care of their parents. the youngest brother decided instead to follow his brother into the forest and also live as a hermit. they agreed to wait for a suitable time to retire to the forest.