Siddhartha Gautama Buddha
- Born:
- c. 563 BCE, Lumbini (present-day Nepal)
- Died:
- c. 483 BCE, Kushinagar (present-day India)
- Nationality:
- Ancient Indian (Shakya Republic)
- Profession(s):
- Spiritual Teacher, Philosopher, Mendicant
Early Life and Education
- Born into an aristocratic Shakya family.
- Prophesized to become either a great king or a great renunciate.
- Led a sheltered upbringing, shielded from suffering.
- Educated in traditional arts, sciences, and martial skills appropriate for a prince.
- At age 29, experienced the "Four Sights" (an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and an ascetic) which prompted his renunciation.
Career and Major Achievements
- Renounced his princely life and became a wandering ascetic.
- Studied with various religious teachers and practiced extreme asceticism for six years.
- Abandoned asceticism, realizing it did not lead to enlightenment.
- Attained enlightenment (Nirvana) while meditating under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya.
- Delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, setting in motion the "Wheel of Dharma."
- Spent the remaining 45 years of his life traveling throughout the Ganges River valley, teaching his doctrine and establishing a monastic order (Sangha).
Notable Works
While Siddhartha Gautama Buddha did not author written works directly, his teachings and discourses were memorized and later compiled by his followers into various Buddhist scriptures, including:
- The Pali Canon (Tipitaka): Considered the most complete extant early Buddhist texts.
- Various Sutras: Collections of teachings and stories attributed to the Buddha.
Legacy and Impact
The teachings and principles found in the life story of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha have had a profound and lasting impact on the world. Buddhism, founded upon his insights, is one of the world's major religions, influencing art, philosophy, and culture across Asia and beyond. His emphasis on compassion, non-violence, and mindfulness continues to resonate with people of all backgrounds.