The birth of Gautama Buddha was a significant event in history, launching the teaching that influenced the peoples of Asia for centuries and now the West. It was a world-changing event. However, it's very difficult to imagine ourselves back to the time when the ancient sages were active and daily life went on in the bustling towns and countryside of those ancient lands.

Here's the birth of Gautama Buddha (583 B.C.E.) as a news report describing the events surrounding the Buddha's birth as announced to the world in the Kapilavasthu Gazette, the leading newspaper of the ancient capital where Gautama's father was a ruler. His birth would naturally have made headlines in India and beyond, if they had had our means of communication:

KING SUDDHODANA ANNOUNCES ROYAL BIRTH

"By royal proclamation, King Suddhodana revealed the birth of his son, whom he named Siddhartha Gautama. Queen Maya, previously unable to give birth, became pregnant after a mysterious dream of a white elephant, a symbol of spiritual power. The birth was marred by the untimely death of the queen.

"Before she gave birth, unnamed sources stated, the queen wished to visit her parents who live in the region of Nepal. However, before she got there, she experienced birth pangs. Stopping at Lumbini Garden, Siddhartha was born on April 8 in the early morning.

"Just as the dream had been mysterious, it has been reported on good authority that the newborn child had a wondrous birth. Although media were unable to witness the birth, it is said that the child was born from the queen's right side and was immediately able to stand and walk. He took seven steps in the four directions, proclaiming that he alone was the most honored one in all the world.

"Witnesses were amazed but could not comprehend the meaning of his words.

"While the king announced the birth of Siddhartha, assuring the royal succession, the people were saddened by the information that Queen Maya died of unknown causes resulting from childbirth. The babe was given into the care of his aunt, Prajapati.

"Celebrations were muted because of the queen's death. Her funeral was private — a sad note amid the joy of an auspicious event.

"Nevertheless, as the result of the prophecy of the sage-seer Ajita that the newborn Gautama would either become a great king or a great sage, a spiritual leader, there is widespread speculation in the court and among the people. The king is reported to be taking extraordinary measures to ensure that his son becomes his successor and a great king.

"He plans to seclude the prince in the palace to prevent him from encountering the problems of the world. However, only time will tell whether his plans can overcome the future choice his son must make."

(Later accounts tell how the prince escaped the palace, deciding to become a spiritual teacher and founder of a world religion.)

The Rev. Al Bloom is professor emeritus of the religion department at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa.