the life of buddha

Buddhism was developed in India, and is based on many of the core concepts of Hinduism. Its founder was Siddhartha Gautama, or Buddha, which means "enlightened one." Siddhartha was born into the Brahmin caste, and led a rich life. However, he was troubled by the human misery that he saw around him everyday. One day he saw a wandering holy man, an ascetic with no possessions. Siddhartha started questioning the holy man, who had a shaved head, wore only a ragged yellow robe, and carried a walking-staff. The holy man said he was afraid of death and birth, and because of that he decided to life a simple life to reach salvation. After this Sigghartha decided to leave his luxurious lifestyle to live in poverty and try to gain salvation by meditating. One day Siddhartha entered a deep meditation, and recalled all his previous rebirths, his knowledge of the cycle of births and deaths.

Buddha statue from the Gandhara-culture (1st centu...

Siddhartha Gautama meditating.

Statue representing Siddhartha Gautama.

After 49 days of meditation, Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became the Buddha or the enlightened one. His own desire and suffering were over and, for he had experienced Nirvana. However, instead of casting off his body and his existence, Buddha made a self-sacrifice. He went back to share his enlightenment with others so that all living souls could end the cycles of their own rebirth and suffering. Siddhartha believed to reach enlightenment; one must be free from desire. Because of this belief, many Buddhists lead very simple lives with no personal items except a robe and a begging bowl. Buddhists also believe that one is reincarnated until they can achieve nirvana or a spiritual enlightenment. The significant writings was the Three Baskets of Wisdom, which told how Buddhists how to reach enlightenment.