Life of Gautama Buddha from Birth to Renunciation

Life of Gautama Buddha (from Birth to Renunciation)

Historical Context • Prince Siddhartha Gautama • Part of the Shakya Clan (hence named Shakyamuni) in the Kapilavastu City • King Suddhodana and Queen Mahamaya • Main Indian religion at the time was Hinduism

Siddhartha’s Birth • Queen Mahamaya’s dream: white elephant entering right side of her body • Born on April 624 B. C. • Born in the Lumbini garden

Siddhartha’s Birth • Walked seven steps and lotuses grew at his feet • 7 days after his birth, queen Mahamaya passed away. Aunt Pajapati became queen and took care of Prince Siddhartha.

Siddhartha’s Early Life • Prophet Asita told King Suddhohana that Siddhartha would either grow up to be a great leader, or a holy man. • The King kept Siddhartha in the palace for his whole life. • Prince Siddhartha was surrounded by youth, beauty, pleasure and wealth. He had no idea that life could be any different.

Prince Siddhartha’s and Princess Yasodhara’s Wedding • Prince Siddhartha married Princesses Yasodhara when he was 17 • They gave birth to their son named Rahula

The Four Sights • Siddhartha began to question life. • He convinced his charioteer Channa to take him outside 4 times. sickness old age death renunciation

Siddhartha’s Renunciation • The Prince left the palace, his wife and son and to find a way to escape from the cycle of births and rebirths (Samsara).

Siddhartha Cuts Off His Hair to Become a Monk • Prince Siddhartha cuts off his hair in search of Truth and Peace.