Experiment with Asceticism
For six long years the ascetic Gotama, as Prince Siddhattha was now know, wanders along the highways and byways of India. He goes to Alara Kalama and Uddaka Ramaputta two of its greatest religious teachers, who teach him everything from their store of knowledge and wisdom. But the ascetic Gotama is not satisfied, for their teachings do not lead to the cessation of suffering. With unrelenting energy he undergoes rigorous ascetic discipline, both bodily and mental. Seeking a way to the cessation of suffering through further suffering. In the end he becomes lean emaciated  and a mere skeleton.