Asita, a revered Himalayan ascetic, possesses long white eyebrows, a mark of wisdom and spiritual attainment resulting from a past-life death where only his eyebrows remained. He serves as master to Naradatta, imparting spiritual lessons like the parable of a rabbit's self-sacrifice for a starving holy man, illustrating compassion and life's interconnectedness.

Detecting divine signs of Siddhartha Gautama's birth in the Shakya kingdom, Asita journeys to King Suddhodana's palace. Examining the newborn prince, he recognizes the 32 auspicious marks, prophesying Siddhartha's destiny to become either a universal monarch or an enlightened Buddha.

This revelation brings Asita profound sorrow. He weeps, knowing his advanced age means he will not live to witness Siddhartha's enlightenment or hear his future teachings. Despite joy for the prince's future, this realization causes him deep personal grief.

To ensure someone receives the Buddha's eventual Dharma, Asita instructs his nephew Naradatta to become a monk and sends him into the world to prepare. After fulfilling his prophetic role regarding Siddhartha's path, Asita departs the narrative. His later rebirth occurs in a formless realm (arūpa world), where he cannot access the Buddha's teachings.