Gautama Buddha was born as Siddhartha Gautama to King Suddhodana of the Shakya clan in Lumbini, Nepal, in 563 B.C. He was raised in great luxury, shielded from the harsh realities of life. At his birth, it was prophesied that Siddhartha would become either a great monarch or a spiritual leader. To ensure he followed the path of kingship, his father isolated him from any form of suffering or religious influence. However, at the age of 29, Siddhartha ventured outside the palace in his chariot. During these excursions, he encountered four sights that changed his life:
- An old man
- A sick man
- A corpse
- A wandering monk
Having never witnessed aging, illness, or death before, Siddhartha was deeply disturbed. The calmness of the monk amidst all this suffering impressed him greatly. This led him to renounce his royal life in search of answers to human suffering.
He became a wandering ascetic, learning meditation and spiritual practices under renowned teachers like Alara Kalama and Udraka Ramaputra. Though he attained high levels of mystical realization, he remained unsatisfied and sought nirvana—the ultimate state of enlightenment.
Siddhartha finally seated himself under a banyan tree (later known as the Bodhi Tree) in Bodh Gaya, India, vowing not to rise until he found the truth. After intense meditation, he attained enlightenment at the age of 35, becoming the Buddha, or “The Enlightened One.” He then dedicated his life to teaching others, laying the foundation of Buddhism.
Important Milestones in Early Buddhism
- 563 B.C. – Siddhartha Gautama is born in Lumbini, Nepal.
- 528 B.C. – Attains enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India.
- 483 B.C. – Attains nirvana and passes away in a state of deep meditation.
- 269–231 B.C. – Reign of Emperor Ashoka, who spreads Buddhism across Asia.
Buddha Purnima Celebrations
Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, marks the birth, enlightenment, and death (nirvana) of the Buddha. On this auspicious day:
- Devotees worship Buddha idols and participate in prayer meets.
- People visit Buddhist shrines, recite scriptures, join group meditations, and take part in religious discussions.
- The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is adorned with colorful decorations, and special prayers are held under the Bodhi tree.
- The National Museum in Delhi displays holy relics of the Buddha to the public.
- A traditional sweet dish called Kheer, made from rice and milk, is prepared and offered.