The Buddha

NAME Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as The Buddha

WHAT FAMOUS FOR  The Buddha is famous for founding Buddhism, one of the world's major religions. He is revered for his teachings on enlightenment, suffering, and the path to spiritual liberation.

BIRTH Siddhartha Gautama was born around 563 BC in Lumbini, in present-day Nepal. Siddhartha's life is shrouded in a mix of history and legend.  Some traditions claim he was born under a full moon in May, and the exact location was supposedly identified in 1996.

FAMILY BACKGROUND His father, a wise ruler, sheltered Siddhartha from the harsh realities of life, hoping he would become a powerful king.

Legend tells us that Siddhartha's mother, Maya Devi, dreamt of a white elephant entering her womb before his birth. Sadly, she passed away shortly after. Raised by his stepmother in luxury, Siddhartha exhibited an early interest in meditation and contemplation, much to his father's dismay.  Prophecies at his birth predicted he would either be a great king or a holy man, and his father tried to steer him towards a worldly path.

CHILDHOOD Little Buddha was very much sheltered from the outside world as a child. His birth was accompanied by earthquakes and thunder. As soon as Gautama was born he took 7 steps and said "I am the chief of the world." 

The new-born child was reputedly examined by Brahmans, who predicted his destiny as either a universal monarch or a Buddha. The Buddha apparently showed an early inclination to meditation and reflection, displeasing his father, who wanted him to be a warrior and ruler rather than a religious philosopher. In his own discourses, the Buddha recalled that he meditated and entered his first trance while still a boy. 

During the birth celebrations, a seer announced that this baby would either become a great king or a great holy man. His father, wishing for Gautama to be a great king, shielded his son from religious teachings or knowledge of human suffering.

EDUCATION Siddhartha received an education befitting a prince, learning about governance, warfare, and the arts. He was also trained in various physical disciplines.

CAREER RECORD Initially groomed to be a king, Gautama's career path changed dramatically when he renounced his royal duties and embarked on a spiritual quest. He spent years as an ascetic before attaining enlightenment and becoming a spiritual teacher.

APPEARANCE The Buddha is traditionally depicted as having a serene and composed demeanor, with elongated earlobes, a symbol of his royal past, and a topknot (ushnisha) on his head, symbolizing his spiritual wisdom.

Remarkably handsome with closely curled hair as a youngster, at the age of 29 on leaving his family and having renounced his heirship of kingdom he shaved off his hair. 

The Digha Nikaya, a foundational Pali Buddhist text, provides detailed physical attributes of the Buddha. It describes him as exceptionally proportioned, with elongated limbs, hands, and face. His hair was dark and tightly curled, his eyes wide and strikingly blue. His complexion was luminous, with a golden hue and a subtle pink tint beneath his nails.

After 6 years fasting in the desert the Buddha was little more than skin and bone. After that he ate one admittingly fairly substantial meal a day. So the depictions of a plump Buddha seem somewhat unrealistic. 

The Buddha, Tapa Shotor monastery in Hadda, Afghanistan, 2nd century AD By Marek Gawęcki 

FASHION In his early years, Gautama wore the luxurious garments of a prince. After renunciation, he adopted the simple robes of an ascetic, typically made of humble materials.

After his enlightenment the Buddha decreed out of personal humility that no one would make an image of him or paint him. However one artist seeing him deep in contemplation on banks of Ganges at Benares got round it by painting his reflection in the Ganges. Hence many representations of the youthful Buddha have folds in the garments known as the ripple effect.

CHARACTER The Buddha was known for his compassion, wisdom, and equanimity. His character was marked by a deep sense of inner peace and a commitment to alleviating the suffering of all beings. He was not, however, past exasperation when monks of his order misrepresented his teachings. 

SENSE OF HUMOUR While specific instances of humor are not well-documented, the Buddha's teachings often reflect a gentle and compassionate approach, indicating a kind and understanding personality.

RELATIONSHIPS  Following tradition, Siddhartha Gautama married his young cousin Yasodhara at the age of 28. They had a son, Rahula, whose name signifies "bond." Despite his comfortable life and loving family, Siddhartha felt a deep yearning for something more.

Thích Nhất Hạnh, a prominent Buddhist monk, suggests Siddhartha may not have experienced unrequited love, but rather a recognition that worldly desires, including romantic love, lead to suffering.  This concept aligns with his later teachings on overcoming suffering through detachment.

Driven by his quest for understanding suffering, Siddhartha left his family and palace life at the age of 29. This decision wasn't about abandoning his wife and son, but about pursuing a path to enlightenment that could ultimately benefit all beings.

Ananda, considered Siddhartha's closest disciple, shared a deep spiritual connection with him. While their relationship was platonic, Ananda  played a vital role in spreading the Buddha's teachings. The Buddha, recognizing the potential for spiritual growth in all beings, advocated for the establishment of a separate order for women to pursue monastic life.

MONEY AND FAME After renouncing his royal life, Siddhartha embraced a life of simplicity, owning no personal wealth. His teachings and insights gradually gained recognition, though it took centuries for Buddhism to spread beyond its initial region.

INTERESTS    FOOD AND DRINK Following a period of extreme asceticism, the Buddha adopted a moderate approach, consuming one substantial meal a day and a light supper.  The circumstances surrounding his final meal remain unclear, with accounts differing on whether it was tainted pork or a mushroom dish.

MUSIC AND ARTS The Buddha appreciated the arts for their ability to uplift and inspire but cautioned against attachment to sensory pleasures.

LITERATURE The Buddha left no written (or recorded) record of his philosophy. The Buddha's teachings were initially transmitted orally and later written down in various scriptures, known as sutras. These texts form the basis of Buddhist literature. Here's a breakdown of the main Buddhist canons:

Pali Canon:  This is the canon used by Theravada Buddhism, the oldest surviving Buddhist school.  It's considered the most complete collection of early Buddhist teachings and is preserved in the Pali language.  The Sri Lankan version is indeed the most complete surviving version of the Pali Canon.

Chinese Buddhist Canon:  This vast collection of scriptures is used by Mahayana Buddhism, the dominant form of Buddhism in East Asia. It includes texts translated from Sanskrit and Chinese originals, along with commentaries and additional Mahayana sutras not found in the Pali Canon.

Tibetan Buddhist Canon:  Known as the Tibetan Tripitaka, this canon is used by Tibetan Buddhism. It includes translations of Indian Buddhist texts, along with uniquely Tibetan works and commentaries.

NATURE The Buddha often taught in natural settings, like forests and groves, finding them conducive to meditation and spiritual practice. He expressed deep respect for all forms of life.

According to Buddhist texts, Siddhartha Gautama rode a white horse named Kanthaka when he left his palace to embark on his journey toward enlightenment. Kanthaka is well-known in Buddhist lore for carrying Siddhartha out of the palace on the night of his renunciation. After Siddhartha dismounted and began his ascetic life, it is said that Kanthaka died out of sorrow and was reborn in a higher realm.

A fable about an event in Buddha's life explains the use of the 12 animals after which the Chinese years are named. Buddha had extended an invitation to all living creatures but only 12 of them answered his call. They were the dog, dragon, horse, monkey, ox, pig, rat, rabbit, rooster, sheep, snake and tiger. As a reward Buddha commemorated their visit by naming a year after each of them. The sequence of the years was determined by a cross-country race between these very animals and is the order in which they reached the finish.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Before his renunciation, Siddhartha engaged in activities typical for a prince, including martial arts and other physical pursuits. 

Siddharta Gautama was reported to have been athletic and fit throughout his life, competent in martial arts such as chariot combat, wrestling, and archery, and later easily hiking miles each day and camping in the wilderness

Afterward, his primary focus was on meditation and teaching.

SCIENCE AND MATHS The Buddha's teachings do not specifically address science and mathematics but emphasize a rational and experiential approach to understanding the nature of reality.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY The Buddha's philosophy centered on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which address the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. His teachings form the foundation of Buddhist theology and philosophy.

Despite the opulent life of a prince, Siddhartha Gautama felt a deep spiritual yearning.  His father, fearing he would abandon the throne for a religious path, shielded him from the realities of suffering. However, this attempt failed.

During a sanctioned outing, Siddhartha witnessed the harsh realities of life: an old man, a sick person, and a corpse (one of these options can be chosen). This encounter sparked a profound question: "What is the cause of suffering?"  This marked the beginning of his quest for enlightenment.

Driven by his newfound purpose, Siddhartha left his family and palace at the age of 29. He initially pursued extreme asceticism, fasting and self-denial for six years. However, he eventually realized this path wasn't the answer.

Seeking a middle way, Siddhartha sat in meditation under a Bodhi tree (also known as a fig tree). There, he achieved enlightenment, a state of perfect wisdom and liberation from suffering.  Through meditation, he discovered the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, a guide to ending suffering.

The Four Noble Truths are:

The truth of suffering: Life inherently involves suffering.

The truth of the cause of suffering: Suffering arises from craving and attachment.

The truth of the end of suffering: Suffering can be overcome.

The truth of the path to the end of suffering: The Eightfold Path leads to the end of suffering

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The Eightfold Path consists of eight practices:

Right View

Right Intention

Right Speech

Right Action

Right Livelihood

Right Effort

Right Mindfulness

Right Concentration

Following this path leads to Nirvana, a state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

Following his enlightenment, Siddhartha, now known as the Buddha, felt compelled to share his insights.  His first sermon, "Turning the Wheel of the Law," delivered to five former companions, marked the birth of Buddhism.  This sermon holds a similar significance for Buddhists as the Sermon on the Mount does for Christians. 

The Buddha established an order of monks to help him spread his teachings.  He eventually returned home and converted his family, including his father.  The concept of Karma, the law of cause and effect, is a core principle of Buddhism. Every action has a corresponding reaction, leading to a cycle of rebirth until enlightenment is achieved.

SCANDAL The Buddha's long career as teacher and leader was not entirely trouble-free. Rival religious groups, especially the followers of Jainism, reportedly attacked his teachings and even the Buddha himself. Devadatta, the Buddha's cousin and disciple, sought revenge after being thwarted in his ambition to inherit leadership of the sangha (monastic community), first engineering assassination attempts, then creating a short-lived schism in the sangha. 

MILITARY RECORD Siddhartha had training in martial arts as part of his princely education, but he never engaged in military conflict and later taught non-violence.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS The Buddha maintained good health through a disciplined lifestyle, including meditation, moderate eating, and simple living. However, towards the end of his life, he experienced physical ailments.

HOMES Siddhartha lived in palaces during his early life. After renunciation, he had no permanent home, often residing in monasteries, forests, and under trees.

The Bo tree was near Buddh Gaya. A descendant of the Bo tree is preserved today.

A wealthy admirer subsidized the construction of a monastery at Savatthi (Sanskrit, Sravasti), which became the Buddha's main residence and the center of his teaching efforts. Additionally, other monasteries were established in major cities along the Ganges River.

TRAVEL As a prince, Siddhartha traveled extensively and engaged in discussions with many of the leading Hindu teachers of his time.

At the age of 29, Gautama, escorted by his attendant Channa, made four successive visits outside the palace. During these journeys, he encountered the "four sights": an old crippled man, a diseased man, a decaying corpse, and finally, an ascetic. These experiences revealed to him the harsh truths of life—death, disease, aging, and pain were inevitable, the poor outnumbered the wealthy, and even the pleasures of the rich were ultimately fleeting.

After achieving enlightenment, he traveled throughout northern India, spreading his message and teachings.

DEATH The Buddha's final days are shrouded in some uncertainty. Accounts differ on the cause of his death at the age of 80 in Kusinagara, India.  Some traditions say he suffered food poisoning, possibly from tainted pork or a mushroom dish.

Despite his illness, the Buddha's final moments were marked by serenity. He offered his last teachings and comforted his disciples. His famous last words, "All things must pass away. Strive for your own salvation with diligence,"  encourage self-reliance on the path to enlightenment.

The exact dates of the Buddha's life and death remain a subject of scholarly debate.  Theravada Buddhist countries place his death around 543 BC, while other sources suggest a date closer to 480 BC.

Following his death, the Buddha's body was cremated, and his ashes were divided and enshrined in eight stupas throughout India. These monuments became important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists.

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Sri Lanka houses a revered relic believed to be one of the Buddha's teeth. This exemplifies the devotion Buddhists hold for their founder.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA The Buddha has been depicted in numerous works of art, literature, and film, reflecting his profound influence on culture and spirituality worldwide. They include:

(1) Tumble dolls were first made by the Chinese in the image of Buddha with weighted buttons to illustrate that Buddha could not fall 

(2) Edwin Arnold's "Light of Asia" 1879 tells story of Buddha in blank verse. 

(3) Played by teen idol Keanu Reeves in Little Buddha 1994 . It was a little success.

(4) Siddhartha 1922 by Herman Hesse was a novel based on Buddha's early years.

(5) The world's largest statue of Buddha is the Spring Temple Buddha located in Zhaocun Township, Lushan County, China. It stands at an impressive height of 153 meters (502 feet)  including the pedestal. 

(6)  The Human League's 1978 song "Being Boiled" uses dark and disturbing imagery, including references to killing, suffering, and boiling alive.  It's a scathing critique of the silkworm industry, drawing an implicit connection between the violent process of silk production and the Buddhist ideal of non-violence.

Listen to the voice of Buddha

Saying stop your sericulture

Little people like your offspring

Boiled alive for some Gods stocking

Buddha's watching, Buddha's waiting

(7) Richard Wagner attempted all his life to write "Die Sieger" (The Victors) based on the life of Buddha but never succeeded. 

ACHIEVEMENTS 1. Strongly developed monasticism before the Christian era began.

2. The Buddha's teachings continue to inspire millions across the globe. Estimates suggest there are between 520 million and 535 million adherents of Buddhism worldwide today,  which represents roughly  7% to 8% of the global population.

Sources (1) 4000 Amazing Trivial Facts. (2) World Famous Rebels by Charles Connell (3) Columbiacommunityconnection, (4) Microsoft Encarta