One of the criticisms of Buddhism is that the Buddha-to-be (Prince Siddhattha Gotama) left his wife and son to seek enlightenment. But on further investigation, this is not a valid criticism on at least the following ten points: Thich Nhat Hanh in Old Path White Clouds, Parallax, 1991 translates or interprets that the Buddha and Yashodhara were discussing his going forth and she agreed. The night before the renunciation she set out his coat and shoes to be ready for him to leave in the middle of the night.