Siddhartha Gautama

Kamryn Fisher- H03

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts and made up of our thoughts. If a man speak or act with an evil thought, suffering follows him as the wheel follows the hoof of the beast that draws the wagon.... If a man speak or act with a good thought, happiness follows him like a shadow that never leaves him” -Gautama Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama is known by many names, including Gautama Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha, and “the awakened one”. The founder of Buddhism was an Indian spiritual leader, born in

the 6th century B.C. Buddha is not a name, but a title. In Sanskrit, Buddha translates to “a person who is awake”. A Buddha is one considered to be separated from the illusions of life, such as greed and ignorance. The original Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, has a life known to be mixed with truth and myths, due to his very early history. The little we do know was gathered after his death by his followers and historical texts. One thing is certain: Siddhartha Gautama’s teaching has inspired millions across the world, with Buddhism coming in as the world’s fourth largest religion.

Siddhartha Gautama was said to be born during the 6th century in Lumbini (today’s Nepal) to the Sahkya clan. His father, a great king, was prophesied that his son would either be a great ruler or a spiritual leader. To prevent him from following religion, the king sheltered his son. Gautama lived his life up until his late twenties inside a great temple where he was kept from witnessing the suffering of life, such as illness and death. After many comfortable years, Gautama finally ventured outside his temple where he witnessed the elderly and the deceased for the first time. Shocked, Gautama realized for the first time that death and suffering are a part of everyone’s life. He then left behind his old life, including his wife and newborn baby, on a spiritual quest.
Siddhartha Gautama traveled for many years, seeking the influence of many spiritual teachers. Still, he couldn’t ease his mind. Next, he tried fasting for many, many days and withheld from bathing. Still he did not find the enlightenment he was seeking. Then, Buddha decided to meditate under a fig tree, after eating and taking a bath again, until he found what he was looking for. After long meditation and conquering the demon Mara, who tempted him with horrific visions, Siddhartha Gautama became Gautama Buddha, finally reaching nirvana.
After 49 days of meditating, Buddha met with the five ascetics he had practiced with and taught his first sermon which would announce the foundations of Buddhism. There he introduced the idea of “The Middle Way”, that life is a balance between indulgence and denial. Also, Buddha taught the ideas the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path
This video shows a great visual explanation for the Four Noble Truths: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK-MbNj83NM

The Eightfold Path:

Gautama Buddha spent the next 45 years of his life traveling and teaching his beliefs. He inspired many along the way, teaching others to take charge of their life and their mind. Siddhartha Gautama is said to have died around the age of 80, after a long and fulfilling life. After his death, Buddhism only become more popular as hundreds became inspired and converted to the faith.

Quiz:

1. How many Noble Truths did Buddha teach?
2. What part of life did Buddha realize is inevitable when he finally left the palace?
3. Was kind of tree did Buddha meditate under to reach enlightenment?
4. Name one part of the Eightfold Path

Discussion Questions:

• Do believe that life is suffering, as Gautama Buddha believed?
• Even if you don’t believe in Buddhism, can you appreciate/support the ideas behind the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path?
• In your opinion, was Siddhartha justified in leaving his family behind to start his own religion?

Sources: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/buddha/#BudPhi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVKK-WVW2uw

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/buda/hd_buda.htm