Siddhartha Gautama
Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Gautama Buddha, was a spiritual teacher on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. Born in the Lumbini, in what is now Nepal, around the 6th or 5th century BCE, his life and teachings have had a profound impact on the spiritual and cultural development of Asia.
Early Life
- Siddhartha Gautama was born into the Shakya clan, which was part of the Kosala Kingdom. His father, Suddhodana, was the leader of the Shakya republic, and his mother, Maya Devi, died shortly after his birth.
- He was raised in luxury in Kapilavastu but was sheltered from the suffering of the world. At the age of 29, after experiencing what are known as the "Four Sights" (an old man, a diseased man, a corpse, and an ascetic), he renounced his princely life to seek enlightenment.
The Path to Enlightenment
- After leaving his palace, Siddhartha engaged in six years of extreme ascetic practices, which did not lead him to enlightenment. He then adopted a middle way, rejecting both self-indulgence and self-mortification.
- He attained Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya after meditating for 49 days. This event is known as the Great Awakening, where he became Buddha, or "the Awakened One."
Teachings and Ministry
- After his enlightenment, Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching others about the path to liberation from suffering. His first sermon was delivered in Sarnath, known as the Dharma Wheel, where he taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
- His teachings emphasized ethical conduct, mental discipline through meditation, and wisdom. He established a monastic order known as the Sangha, which included both monks and nuns.
Death and Legacy
- Buddha passed away at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, an event known as Parinirvana. His final words are often quoted as encouraging his followers to work out their liberation with diligence.
- His teachings spread across Asia, influencing various cultures, philosophies, and religions. Buddhism evolved into different schools and traditions, such as Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
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