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.
- Ashoka erected a pillar at Lumbini to mark his visit.
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- 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’.
| The Mauryan pillar capital, found at Sarnath, popularly known as the Lion Capital, symbolises Dhammachakra Pravartan. |
- 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.
- According to Buddhist tradition, his last words to his followers were: “Be lamps unto yourselves as all of you must work out your own liberation.”
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Buddhist Art representation of the 5 stages
| EVENTS |
SYMBOLIC FORM |
PHYSICAL FORM |
| Birth |
Elephant /Lotus |
Maya’s dream |
| Renunciation |
Horse |
Buddha (in monk dress) along with Horse |
| Enlightenment |
Peepal Tree |
Bhumisparshamudra |
| First Sermon |
Wheel (8 spokes showing 8 paths) |
Dharmachakrapravartana |
| Death |
Stupa
(holy relics are buried there) |
Mahapariniravana mudra
Lying on one side and head resting on the palm. |
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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.
April 24, 2024
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