Buddhism

Who is The Buddha?

Siddhartha Gautama was the son of king Suddhodana and Queen Maya, leaders of the Shakya clan in Lumbini, during the sixth century B.C.

A week after Siddharthas birth his mother passed away. A holy man then prophesized that The young prince would either grow up to become a great military leader and king or become a spiritual leader.

His father the king wanted his son to be the heir hed always dreamt that he could be. And so he shielded his son from the outside world, he was locked in the palace and knew nothing but luxury.

He knew nothing of religion or the troubles and daily struggles the people just beyond the palace walls faced.

When he was 29 he escaped from the palace with the help of a servant, not being able to contain his curiosity any longer.

First he came across an old frail man, his skin was weathered and his feet were blistered, he winced in pain as his bones cracked. The prince didnt understand and so asked the servant what was wrong with this man. The servant explained that all beings age and wither that it was unavoidable.

On his second outing he came across a diseased man lying in the street, coughing and gasping for air. Again he asked his servant to explain this curiosity. The servant explained that sickness can strike all things and often a remedy cant be found.

Later he saw a corpse on the side of the road. The servant explained to the prince the meaning of death.

Eventually he came across an ascetic. The servant explained that the man had given away his belongings and sought only to be released from the fear of suffering and death.

He returned to the palace, the place he had found comfort and amusement all his life. It now seemed ugly and wrong to him. He escaped from the palace and changed into a tatty robe, from there he began to walk on his path to enlightenment.

Footnotes.

Siddhartha = He who achieves his aim.

Ascetic = Monk.

Lumbini = Nepal.

I know this was short but I will post some more soon.