The Life of the Buddha: Secrets Behind His Spiritual Path

Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is a profound and enlightening figure in the history of mankind. The story of his life, teachings, and sacrifice has brought peace, knowledge and inspiration to the hearts of millions of people for thousands of years. The life of the Buddha helps to understand the meaning of human suffering and happiness not only religiously, but also philosophically. The entire life story is presented in a completely new language.

1. Birth and royal family background

Gautam Buddha was born in the 6th century BC, in Lumbini, present-day Nepal. His father was King Suddhodana of the Shakya dynasty, and his mother was Mahamaya Devi. Being born into a royal family, his childhood was spent in great luxury. He was known as Prince Siddhartha. From childhood, his behaviour was calm, thoughtful and compassionate.

Within a few days of his birth, a sage predicted that the child would either become a great king or a world-renowned spiritual master. This prediction became important as an early chapter in the life of the Buddha.

2. Growing up in luxury

King Suddhodana wanted his son to grow up to be a great king. That is why he kept Siddhartha away from the suffering of real life. There was joy, music, palaces, and dancers in the palace, but he did not know what the world was like outside.

But he could not be hidden from reality forever. One day, the prince went out to satisfy his curiosity, and on that journey, he saw four true events, known in history as the “Four Visions.”

3. Four Visions and the True Understanding of Life

• An Old Man- He realised for the first time that old age is inevitable for everyone.
• A sick man – He understood that the world was full of disease, pain, and physical suffering.
• A dead body – This made him feel the harsh reality of death.
• A monk – Finally, he saw a calm, ascetic monk, who was above worldly suffering.

The experience of these four visions brought the life of the Buddha to a whole new turn. He decided – a solution to the suffering of human life must be found.

4. Renunciation in search of truth

At the age of 29, he left the palace, luxury and family affection in the darkness of a deep night. In history, this is known as the “Great Exile”. He left home and set out in search of truth.

Leaving the world was the most important change in the life of the Buddha.

5. Severe penance and realisation

Siddhartha first learned sadhana from various gurus. Later, he accustomed himself to strict fasting and physical pain. For six years, he was immersed in self-restraint and penance. However, he later realised that just as causing too much pain is wrong, so is indulging in everything.

• Thus, he found the “middle path” where there is nothing in excess.
• This middle path later became one of the teachings of the life of the Buddha.

To know the Lord Buddha, these two assets could be a path to awaken your knowledge.

6. Enlightenment: Siddhartha to Buddha

One night, Siddhartha sat down under an Ashwattha tree in the city of Bodh Gaya and immersed himself in deep meditation. He vowed, he would not get up until he found the truth.

After a long meditation, the cause of suffering, the solution, and the path to liberation, which later became known as the “Four Noble Truths”, were revealed to him.

In this state, he became “Buddha,” meaning “awakened.” Thus begins the main chapter of the life of the Buddha; he is no longer a prince, but the light of knowledge.

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7. The First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma

After attaining enlightenment, Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon to his five companions in Sarnath. It is called the “Turning of the Wheel of Dharma”, where he explained:

• The truth of suffering
• The cause of suffering
• The possibility of liberation from suffering
• The path to liberation (the Eightfold Path)

This teaching is not only the root of Buddhism, but also a profound philosophy of human life.

8. The rest of his life: Spreading the message of peace

For about 45 years, the Buddha travelled to different parts of the subcontinent, spreading the message of peace, morality, and compassion to people. He did not recognise any class distinction, rich, poor, king, peasant; all could become his disciples.

During this time, thousands of people were inspired by his philosophy and joined the Buddhist Sangha. His humanistic teachings made the life of the Buddha a universal philosophy worldwide.

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9. The death of the Buddha (parinirvana)

At the age of 80, the Buddha attained parinirvana in the city of Kushinagar. His death was peaceful, painless, and enlightened, like his lifelong pursuit. Before his death, he said:

“Be your own lamp.”

This sentence captures the essence of the life of the Buddha.

10. The Buddha’s teachings and legacy

Today, Buddhism shows the path to peace, infinite compassion, and self-improvement in the lives of millions of people. His teachings are not only religious, humanism, philosophy, psychology, and ethics are effective in all fields.

The greatest legacy of Buddha is:

• Ahimsa
• The Middle Way
• Self-knowledge
• Disassociation
• Compassion

These are still influencing different cultures, societies, and nations of the world equally. Therefore, the life of the Buddha is not just history, but an eternal beacon of humanity.

The life of the Buddha begins with the realisation of the suffering of human life and ends with the continuous search for knowledge, human values, and the practical application of peace. His life story teaches us, the power of change lies within ourselves.

His teachings have been showing people the way for ages and will continue to show them in the future.