SIDDHARTHA GAUTAMA THE LIFE AND TIMES OF BUDDHA

INTRODUCTION • Buddha was born Siddhartha Gautama • Born around 563 BCE (Before Jesus) • Born in the Kingdom of Shakya which is now in Nepal • His father was a King, named Shuddhodana • Born into a family of Hindus

THE EARLY LIFE OF BUDDHA • Buddha’s birth was “miraculous” as he descended from heaven and entered his mother’s womb in the form of a white elephant ~ a symbol of purity • His mother died a week after giving birth and he was raised by his aunt • After he was born, legend has it he took 7 steps and said “this is my last birth” • A wise man suggested he may become an important figure or leader

LIFE OF BUDDHA • His father wanted him to take over his rule and become a King. . he was not happy that he may become a religious figure • He lived a quiet and pleasant life until he was 29 and witnessed the FOUR SIGHTS 1) Old man 2) Sick man 3) Corpse 4) Ascetic Hindu monk • What does Ascetic mean? ? ?

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CONTINUED… • Siddhartha become a wanderer seeking spiritual knowledge • He learned to: 1) Meditate 2) Find the “Middle Way” • He found the middle way between luxury and asceticism, finding that life needs balance in order to be happy

FINDING THE GREAT ENLIGHTENMENT • Siddhartha Gautama sat in meditation for 49 days in a spiritual struggle against the evil god, Mara • He was successful and achieved the Great Enlightenment, and was henceforth known as the Buddha • He stayed in this state for 7 days (or weeks) • Rather than choosing to enter Nirvana, he decided to stay on earth to share his insights

BUDDHA’S DEATH: PARINIRVANA • When the Buddha was 80 years old, he was in poor health • Rather than have a replacement, he insisted the that dharma be people’s guide when he’s gone

BUDDHA’S LIFE • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=I 1 o 9 p. Pji. Lf 0&feat ure=youtu. be