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Who is the Buddha? |
by Alli Rodenhauser (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
The Buddha is the central figure in, and founder of, the Buddhist religion.
Scholars believe that the Buddha was born in approximately 563 BCE in what is now part of Nepal. Named Sihhartha Gautama (sometimes spelled "Gotama"), he was a brave, handsome prince and grew up living a life of leisure and comfort. When he was 29 Siddhartha left his palace to meet his subjects and, for the first time, saw old age, poverty, and illness. Disturbed by what he had seen, he became ashamed of his wealth, gave up his throne, and lived as a beggar for many years.
During his travels, eventually making his way into what is now India, Siddhartha studied under many monks and hermits but was unsatisfied with what he was learning. At the age of 35, he sat under a pipal tree and announced that he would not leave until he had determined the cause of human suffering. He came up with the "Four Noble Truths," one of the most important teachings in Buddhism, after 49 days of meditation and became "Enlightened." Now known as The Buddha (or, "The Awakened One"), he spent the rest of his life preaching to his rapidly growing group of followers until his death in approximately 483 BCE.
Scholars believe that the Buddha was born in approximately 563 BCE in what is now part of Nepal. Named Sihhartha Gautama (sometimes spelled "Gotama"), he was a brave, handsome prince and grew up living a life of leisure and comfort. When he was 29 Siddhartha left his palace to meet his subjects and, for the first time, saw old age, poverty, and illness. Disturbed by what he had seen, he became ashamed of his wealth, gave up his throne, and lived as a beggar for many years.
During his travels, eventually making his way into what is now India, Siddhartha studied under many monks and hermits but was unsatisfied with what he was learning. At the age of 35, he sat under a pipal tree and announced that he would not leave until he had determined the cause of human suffering. He came up with the "Four Noble Truths," one of the most important teachings in Buddhism, after 49 days of meditation and became "Enlightened." Now known as The Buddha (or, "The Awakened One"), he spent the rest of his life preaching to his rapidly growing group of followers until his death in approximately 483 BCE.