Life and Teachings of Gautama Buddha: From Birth to Enlightenment

Introduction

Gautama Buddha, born Siddhartha Gautama in the 6th century BCE, was a spiritual leader who founded Buddhism. Renouncing his princely life, he sought enlightenment and taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

About Gautam Buddha

• Gautama Buddha, or Siddhartha, was born in 563 BC into the Sakya Kshatriya family in Lumbini near Kapilavastu (Nepal). He was a contemporary of Mahavira. 

• Parents: His father, Suddhodhana, was the elected ruler of Kapilavastu, leading the Sakya republic and his mother, Mahamaya, was a princess from the kingdom of Koshala. 
  • Mahamaya dreamt of a white elephant entering her womb.
• Upbringing: He was brought up by his foster mother, “Mahaprajapati Gautami” —the first woman (Bhikkhuni) to be included in his Sangha.
• Wife: He married Yashodhara and had a son named Rahula.
• Event: One day, while riding in his chariot, he encountered four sights: an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and a religious mendicant. 
  • These encounters deeply affected him, leading to his realisation of the pervasive suffering in the world.

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Buddha’s Road to Nirvana

• At the age of 29, he departed the city on a chariot with his beloved horse Kanthaka and Channa, the charioteer, in search of eternal truth. 
  • This is known as MAHABHINISHKRAMANA or the Great Departure.
• He wandered for seven years. After that, he reached Uruvela (modern-day Bodh Gaya), situated on the banks of the Niranjana River (Falgu River).
  • In between, Siddhartha sought the guidance of Alara Kalama and Uddaka Ramaputta. He was not satisfied with their path and practised severe austerities, which left him nearly dead.
• He sat under a peepal tree (Bodhi tree) and attained NIRVANA (enlightenment) at the age of 35, earning the title “Buddha” or “the enlightened.” 

Life of Buddha After Nirvana

• He delivered his first sermons at  Sarnath (Deer Park) in Varanasi. This event is described as DHARMACHAKRA-PRAVARTANA or setting in motion the ‘wheel of great law’.

• He spoke about the Four Noble Truths and the Middle Path and established Sangha to spread his ideas far and wide.
• The prominent disciples of Buddha were Sariputta, Mahamoggallana, Mahakaccayana and Ananda.
• Buddha had a huge following among both royalty and lay persons.
  • Asoka adopted ideas from Buddhism in his state policy.
  • Gautama Buddha passed away at the age of 80 in 483 BC at Kushinagar, in eastern Uttar Pradesh. This is known as Parinirvana/MAHAPARINIRVANA.

Buddhist Art representation of the 5 stages

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Conclusion

• Gautama Buddha’s teachings have profoundly influenced millions worldwide, emphasizing compassion, mindfulness, and the pursuit of inner peace. 
  • His legacy endures, shaping the spiritual landscape and fostering a path to enlightenment for generations to come.