Why did the Buddha's parents try to protect him from knowing about aging, sickness and death? They didn't want him to become a holy man. They wanted him to become a king like his father. They wanted to surprise him with that information later.

Buddha's parents, King Śuddhodana and Queen Māyā, were deeply concerned about the prophecy surrounding their son's future. It was foretold that Siddhartha could either be a great king or a spiritual teacher, and they favored the former. By shielding him from the harsh realities of life—aging, sickness, and death—they hoped to keep him focused on his royal destiny and ensure he would not renounce his comfortable life for a more ascetic path. Their efforts, however, ultimately backfired. When Siddhartha finally encountered these unavoidable truths, he was profoundly affected. This awakening ignited his quest for enlightenment, leading him to become the Buddha. It's a reminder that no matter how well we try to protect loved ones, they must encounter life's challenges to grow and understand the deeper aspects of existence.