The founder of Buddhism, the Buddha was also called Siddhartha or Gautama. The term Buddha means “enlightened one.” The Buddha is known as a man of great wisdom and compassion. He taught his fellow human beings how to overcome suffering.

Early life

Siddhartha was born in the 6th or 5th century BC in the kingdom of the Sakyas, in the border region of what are today Nepal and India. He was the son of King Suddhodana and Queen Mahamaya. According to legend, the night before he was born, his mother had an interesting dream. Hindu priests said that the dream meant she would have a son who would become either a ruler or a great teacher.

Siddhartha's father was always worried that his son might leave home to become a wandering monk. He tried to shelter Siddhartha from the hardships of the world. He provided his son with every luxury and comfort.

The turning point in Siddhartha's life came when he was 29 years old. One day, when he was out with his chariot-driver, Channa, he saw a bent old man. He asked Channa what had happened to the man. Channa explained that he was old and that all men grow old. The prince was greatly troubled by this sight. On another day, again with his chariot-driver, he saw a sick man. Channa explained, as before, that this was a sick man and that all men are subject to sickness. On a third occasion the prince saw a dead body and Channa explained that all men die. Finally, Siddhartha saw a monk with a shaved head. The man had a peaceful look on his face, even though there was suffering around him.

After seeing the monk, Siddhartha decided to give up his life as a prince and become a wandering monk as well. He wanted to discover how the monk was able to look so peaceful when he was surrounded by misery.

Career

Siddhartha left home in search of teachers to instruct him in the way of truth. He traveled to several villages, including one where he was joined by five other monks.

Here Siddhartha's real struggle for truth began. He went without eating for long periods of time, and he meditated. He soon realized that such self-punishment could not lead him to the truth, and he changed his ways. His companions were disappointed at his change in behavior, and they left him.

After his enlightenment the Buddha decided to share his knowledge with others. In his first sermon, the Buddha spoke of the four Noble Truths. The first Noble Truth is that life is full of suffering. The second Noble Truth is that all suffering is caused by selfish desire. The third Noble Truth is that there is freedom—nirvana—for humans from all this. The fourth Noble Truth is the way to this liberation.

The five monks who had left the Buddha became his first disciples. They became the first members of the Buddhist order, or sangha. Soon other disciples joined the sangha. The Buddha sent them out into the world to spread his message of peace, compassion, and wisdom. The Buddha himself set out traveling, converting many people on the way.

The Buddha and his new teaching became so popular that monasteries were built for him and his sangha in almost all the important cities in the valley of the Ganges River. The number of his followers increased rapidly. The Buddha was very caring in his attitude toward his disciples. He took care of the sick himself saying that all humans are equal. He also said that poverty was a cause of crime.

Death

At the age of 80, the Buddha, with a group of monks, set out on his last journey. As usual, he passed through cities, towns, and villages, teaching the people on his way and stopping wherever he wished.

Eventually, the Buddha arrived at Kusinara, or present-day Kasia, in India. There he lay down. He told the monks to continue their work with dedication. With these words, he passed away. A week later, his body was cremated in Kusinara.