The Buddha

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Tapa Shotor seated Buddha (Niche V1)

Bhagavato Sakamunino Bodho inscription in Bharhut

Mahajanapadas (c. 500 BCE)

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Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita Queen Maya Birth

Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India

The Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, Shakyamuni Buddha, or simply the Buddha, is the founder of Buddhism and is revered as a fully enlightened being by Buddhists around the world. His teachings and life story have had a profound impact on the spiritual and philosophical landscape of not only Asia but also the world.

Early Life

The Buddha was born in the 5th or 6th century BCE in Lumbini, in modern-day Nepal, into the royal family of the Shakya clan. His father was King Suddhodana, and his mother was Queen Maya. Shortly after his birth, it was prophesied that he would either become a great king or a great spiritual leader. His mother died shortly after his birth, and he was raised by his aunt, Mahaprajapati.

Growing up in the luxury of the royal palace, Siddhartha was shielded from the harsh realities of life. However, in his late 20s, he encountered what are known in Buddhist scriptures as the "Four Sights": an old man, a sick man, a dead body, and a wandering ascetic. These encounters profoundly affected him, awakening him to the realities of aging, illness, death, and the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment.

Renunciation

Disturbed by these insights, Siddhartha left his palace, his wife Yasodhara, and his son Rahula, in search of the truth of life and liberation from suffering. This event is known as the "Great Renunciation." He studied under various religious teachers and mastered the meditative practices they taught, but finding them insufficient for attaining true enlightenment, he continued his quest.

Enlightenment

Siddhartha then practiced severe asceticism, but after nearly starving to death without achieving enlightenment, he adopted the path of moderation, or the "Middle Way," between severe asceticism and indulgence in worldly pleasures. Sitting under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, he vowed not to rise until he had found the truth. After a long meditation, at the age of 35, he attained enlightenment (Bodhi) and became the Buddha, the "Awakened One."

Teachings

After his enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the Dharma, the truth he had discovered. The core of his teachings is encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The Four Noble Truths diagnose the human condition as suffering (Dukkha), identify its cause in desires (Tanha), prescribe the cessation of suffering (Nirodha), and recommend the Eightfold Path as the means to end suffering. The Eightfold Path consists of right understanding, right intent, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

Community

The Buddha established a monastic community (Sangha) of monks (Bhikkhus) and nuns (Bhikkhunis) to continue the spread of his teachings. He also welcomed lay followers who supported the monastic community and followed the Buddha's teachings in their daily lives.

Death

The Buddha passed away at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, India, entering Parinirvana, the final deathless state, leaving behind a lasting legacy. His teachings spread across Asia and eventually the world, leading to the establishment of various schools of Buddhism.

Legacy

Today, the Buddha's teachings continue to inspire millions of people around the world to seek peace, enlightenment, and liberation from suffering. His life and teachings are celebrated during various festivals, most notably Vesak, which commemorates his birth, enlightenment, and death.