The Buddha- Legendary Life
-Siddhartha Gautama was the prince of the Shakyas (minor Himalayan nation)
-born in Lumbini (in Nepal) under miraculous circumstances (c. 550 BCE)
-his mother Maya, died shortly after his death
-a sage foretold his future as a great world- conqueror
-his father hoped for him to become a great emperor not a spiritual leader
-Siddhartha was "imprisoned" in a palace of sensual delight
-married to Yashodhara, who gave birth to his son, Rahula
-one day he left his palace, and encountered The Four Great Sights
1. old age 2. illness 3. death (these made his experience sorrow, and realize impermanence)
4. renouncer (he understood the option/possibility of finding truth)
-renounced his throne (age 29), and set out in search of teachers/ teachings
-limited success with meditation masters; then years of acute austerities
-had a pivotal insight into the Middle Way ( of life and meditative practice)
-intense meditation led him to attain Nirvana (extinguishing all illusions)
-he achieved this is Bodh- Gaya, under a sacred fig tree (Bo/ Bodhi tree)
-he had become the Buddha (the Awakened One)

	Created by michellemjredman almost 12 years ago

Rel 1000 (test 4) Note on Buddhism, created by michellemjredman on 23/11/2013.