SIDDHARTHA GAUTAMATHE 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 SIGHTS1) Old man 2) Sick man3) Corpse 4) Ascetic Hindu monk

• What does Ascetic mean???

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tilBs32zN7I

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=I1o9pPjiLf0&feature=youtu.be