Story of Buddha | The life story of Siddhartha Gautama and his Enlightenment 🧘‍♂️

Summary

Siddhartha Gautama, born a prince, sought enlightenment after witnessing suffering. He left his palace, studied under various teachers, and practiced extreme asceticism before realizing the Middle Path. At the age of 35, under the Bodhi tree, he became the Buddha, achieving enlightenment. He taught the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, forming the first sangha. His teachings spread across India for 49 years until his death at 80, leaving a profound impact on spirituality.

Takeaways

• 🌏 Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, was born in Lumbini, Nepal around 567 BCE.
• 🏰 His father, a Shakya king, sheltered him in a palace to protect him from the harsh realities of life.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Siddhartha married Yashodhara and had a son, yet he was not content with his luxurious life.
• 🤔 Encounters with sickness, old age, and death prompted Siddhartha to seek answers beyond his palace walls.
• 🧘‍♂️ Siddhartha became an ascetic, seeking enlightenment by learning from various teachers and practicing meditation.
• 🌱 He discovered the Middle Path, rejecting extreme austerity, after realizing it was not the way to liberation.
• 🌅 The Buddha's enlightenment occurred under the Bodhi tree, where he realized the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation.
• 🔑 The Four Noble Truths were introduced as the foundation of Buddhist teachings: suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path leading to it.
• 👥 The first sangha was formed by the five ascetics who became the Buddha's disciples after his enlightenment.
• 🌉 The Buddha spent 49 years teaching the dharma, emphasizing the impermanence of life and the universality of death.
• 📜 The First Council was held to preserve the Buddha's teachings, which were compiled into the Tripitaka.

Q & A

Where was Siddhartha Gautama born and what was his father's occupation?

Siddhartha Gautama was born in Lumbini, Nepal, and his father was a Shakya king.

What significant prediction was made about Siddhartha Gautama before his birth?

It was predicted that Siddhartha Gautama would either become a world emperor or a renowned sage.

Why did Siddhartha Gautama's father keep him within the palace walls?

Siddhartha's father kept him within the palace walls to protect him from the outside world and raise him in princely luxury.

What significant encounters outside the palace led Siddhartha to question his life of luxury?

Siddhartha encountered a sick man, an elderly man, and a body being carried to the burning grounds, which made him realize the inevitability of illness, old age, and death.

What was the turning point that led Siddhartha to become a wandering ascetic?

The turning point was when Siddhartha saw a wandering ascetic and realized that his life of luxury was insufficient to understand or escape suffering.

What did Siddhartha learn from his first teacher, Arada Kalama?

From Arada Kalama, Siddhartha learned how to train his mind to enter the realm of nothingness.

What was the teaching of Siddhartha's second teacher, Udraka Ramaputra?

Udraka Ramaputra taught Siddhartha how to reach a state of concentration where the mind is neither conscious nor unconscious.

What did Siddhartha discover after practicing austerity and concentration for six years?

After practicing austerity and concentration for six years, Siddhartha discovered that these practices did not lead to liberation from suffering.

What is the significance of the Bodhi tree in the life of Siddhartha Gautama?

The Bodhi tree is significant because it is where Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment after meditating there for several days.

What is the First Noble Truth that the Buddha taught in his First Sermon?

The First Noble Truth is that all life and existence are characterized by dukkha, which means suffering, pain, or unsatisfactoriness.

What is the core teaching of the Fourth Noble Truth, the Noble Eightfold Path?

The Fourth Noble Truth outlines the path to the cessation of suffering, which involves right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

How did the Buddha's teachings spread after his enlightenment?

The Buddha's teachings spread as he traveled from village to village in India for 49 years, teaching in everyday language and instructing his followers to share the teachings with all.

Outlines

00:00

🌱 The Life and Enlightenment of Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama, born as a prince in Lumbini, Nepal around 567 BCE, was destined for greatness. His father, a Shakya king, was told that Siddhartha would either become a world emperor or a renowned sage. Raised in luxury, Siddhartha was shielded from the harsh realities of life. However, upon encountering sickness, old age, and death, he was deeply affected and sought a remedy for suffering. Leaving his princely life, he explored various philosophies and teachers, including Arada Kalama and Udraka Ramaputra, but found their teachings incomplete. Siddhartha then practiced extreme austerity with five companions for six years until he realized the Middle Path. After a meal offered by Sujata, he meditated under the Bodhi tree and achieved enlightenment at age 35, becoming the Buddha. He then spent seven weeks in contemplation before deciding to teach what he had realized.

05:04

📚 The Teachings and Legacy of Buddha

After his enlightenment, Buddha sought his former teachers but found them deceased. He then approached the five ascetics who had abandoned him, and through his presence, they acknowledged him. Buddha delivered his First Sermon, introducing the concept of dukkha, or suffering, as the First Noble Truth. He explained that suffering is inherent in life and even happiness can lead to suffering if we cling to it. The Second Noble Truth identifies the cause of suffering as desire and the thirst for existence. The Third Noble Truth asserts that the cessation of suffering is possible. Buddha then introduced the Fourth Noble Truth, the Noble Eightfold Path, which became the foundation for the first sangha. The bhikkhus, or mendicant monks, followed this path, living simply and practicing meditation. Buddha's teachings were accessible and practical, emphasizing mindfulness and understanding the impermanence of life. Despite his growing fame, Buddha continued his simple lifestyle and daily teachings until his passing at the age of 80 in Kushinagar. His final words advised his followers to strive diligently, as all things are impermanent. After his death, the First Council was held to preserve his teachings, which were compiled into the Tripitaka, the foundational texts of Buddhism.

Keywords

💡Siddhartha Gautama

Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, is the central figure of the video script. He is the founder of Buddhism and is depicted as a prince who leaves his life of luxury to seek enlightenment. His journey and teachings form the core of the video's narrative. The script describes his birth, his dissatisfaction with worldly pleasures, and his quest to understand suffering and find liberation from it.

💡Buddha

The term 'Buddha' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Buddha' meaning 'awakened one' or 'the enlightened'. In the script, Siddhartha becomes the Buddha after achieving enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. This keyword is crucial as it signifies the transformation of Siddhartha from a seeker to a spiritual teacher who offers a path to end suffering.

💡Dukkha

Dukkha is a fundamental concept in Buddhism and is often translated as 'suffering', 'pain', or 'unsatisfactoriness'. It is one of the Three Marks of Existence, along with anicca (impermanence) and anatta (non-self). The script mentions Dukkha as the First Noble Truth, indicating that suffering is an inherent part of life, from which the Buddha sought liberation.

💡Arahant

An Arahant is a person who has achieved the highest state of enlightenment in Theravada Buddhism. The script refers to the Buddha as an Arahant, having attained complete liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). This keyword is significant as it represents the ultimate spiritual goal according to the teachings of the Buddha.

💡Noble Eightfold Path

The Noble Eightfold Path is the set of practices that the Buddha taught lead to the cessation of suffering and to the achievement of enlightenment. It is the Fourth Noble Truth and is central to the script's message of how one can follow a path to end suffering. The path consists of right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

💡Sangha

Sangha refers to the community of Buddhist practitioners, particularly monastics, who follow the teachings of the Buddha. In the script, the first sangha is formed by the five ascetics who listen to the Buddha's first discourse. The keyword 'sangha' is significant as it represents the collective spiritual journey and support that is integral to Buddhist practice.

💡Parinirvana

Parinirvana refers to the death or final passing away of a Buddha or an enlightened being. In the script, it is mentioned that the Buddha passed away at the age of 80, entering into parinirvana. This keyword is important as it marks the end of the Buddha's physical existence but not the end of his teachings, which continue to guide practitioners.

💡Anicca

Anicca, or impermanence, is a core Buddhist concept that everything is in a constant state of change and nothing lasts forever. The script implies this concept when discussing the universality of death and the suffering that arises from attachment to temporary things. Understanding anicca is key to letting go of attachments and finding peace.

💡Anatta

Anatta, or non-self, is the doctrine that there is no unchanging, permanent self or soul; instead, a person is a combination of physical and mental processes. The script touches on this when discussing the Buddha's realization of the insubstantiality of the self. Recognizing anatta is essential for understanding the nature of existence and the path to liberation.

💡Bodhi Tree

The Bodhi Tree is the place where Siddhartha Gautama is said to have achieved enlightenment. In the script, the Buddha sits under the Bodhi tree, marking the spot of his great awakening. This keyword is symbolic of spiritual attainment and is a significant location in Buddhist pilgrimage.

💡Tripitaka

The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is the primary sacred scripture of Buddhism. It consists of three parts: the Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules), the Sutta Pitaka (sermons), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophy and psychology). The script mentions the First Council where the Tripitaka was recited, indicating the beginning of the written record of the Buddha's teachings.

Highlights

Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, was born in Lumbini, Nepal around 567 BCE.

His father was informed that Siddhartha would either become a world emperor or a renowned sage.

Siddhartha was raised in princely luxury, sheltered from the harsh realities of life.

He encountered a sick man, an elderly man, and a dead body, which led to his realization of life's impermanence.

Siddhartha left his palace life in search of a remedy for suffering.

He studied under various teachers but found their methods insufficient for liberation.

Siddhartha practiced extreme austerity, nearly starving himself in his quest for enlightenment.

He abandoned austerity after realizing it was not the path to liberation, embracing the Middle Path.

Siddhartha's awakening under the Bodhi tree at age 35 marked the beginning of his role as the Buddha.

The Buddha's First Noble Truth identifies dukkha, or suffering, as an inherent part of existence.

The Second Noble Truth attributes the cause of suffering to desire and the thirst for existence.

The Third Noble Truth posits that the cessation of suffering is achievable.

The Buddha's First Sermon to the five ascetics introduced the concept of the Noble Eightfold Path.

The Buddha's teachings emphasized the importance of compassion and spreading the dharma to all.

He advised practicing mindfulness in everyday activities.

The Buddha's teachings on death and impermanence helped people understand the universality of death.

The Buddha continued his life as a traveling teacher until his passing at the age of 80.

His final words emphasized the impermanence of all things and the importance of diligent striving.

The First Council assembled to preserve the Buddha's teachings, leading to the creation of the Tripitaka.

Transcripts

Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, was born in a tiny kingdom below the foothills

of the Himalayas around 567 BCE.

His father, a Shakya king, was informed 12 years before his son's birth that he would

either become a world emperor or a renowned sage.

After his birth, in Lumbini, Nepal, his father held him within the palace's walls to protect

him from the outside world and raise him in a princely luxury.

When he came of age, he married Yashodhara, who gave birth to a son soon after.

He had, as we would say today, everything.

The life of luxury was insufficient for Siddhartha.

He was drawn to the world outside the castle walls for some reason.

He came upon three people there in the streets of Kapilavastu: a sick man, an elderly man,

and a body being carried to the burning grounds.

Nothing from his life of luxury had prepared him for this.

He was unable to sleep after learning that everyone is susceptible to illness, old age,

and death from his charioteer.

As a wandering ascetic carrying a single bowl and donning a sadhu's robe caught his attention

as he returned to the palace, he decided to depart from the palace in quest of a remedy

for suffering.

After a midnight goodbye to his wife and son, he rode to the edge of the woodland.

There, he used his sword to cut his long hair and swapped his opulent attire for an ascetic's

plain robes.

Finding Liberation With these deeds, Siddhartha Gautama became

one of a group of individuals who had abandoned society in search of liberation.

To answer his questions, Gautama began learning about a wide range of approaches from many

different teachers, including atheists, materialists, idealists, and dialecticians.

The noises of countless perspectives and opinions filled the teachings he was receiving.

Gautama decided to work with two instructors.

He learned how to train his mind to enter the realm of nothingness from Arada Kalama.

He was urged to stay and teach on an equal basis by Arada Kalama, but he left after realizing

that this was not the path to liberation.

Then, Udraka Ramaputra taught Siddhartha how to reach the concentration of the mind, which

is neither consciousness nor unconsciousness.

Siddhartha, however, quit his second teacher since neither of these methods provided him

with an answer to his question.

Siddhartha and his five companions trained for six years while practicing austerity and

concentration training.

He relentlessly pushed himself, competing with his mind and body by consuming just one

grain of rice daily.

His ribs stuck through his deteriorating body, appearing more dead than alive.

The Middle Path After he decided to eat more substantial food

and give up austerity, his five companions abandoned him.

When Siddhartha visited a village one day in search of food, Sujata presented him with

a dish of milk and a container of honey.

Siddhartha set off for the Bodhi tree after regaining vigor from his meal and bathing

in the Nairanjana River.

He seated himself on a mat of grass with his legs crossed.

After hearing from every teacher, studying every holy text, and experimenting with every

technique, he sat.

There was no longer anything to rely on, someone to turn to, or a place to go.

After six days, he opened his eyes to the rising morning light and realized that what

he had been searching for had never been lost, not to him nor anybody else.

As a result, there was nothing to achieve and no longer a need for a struggle.

He is quoted as saying, "Wonder of wonders, this same insight is the nature of all beings,

and yet they are sad for lack of it."

As a result, Siddhartha Gautama, then known as Shakyamuni, the Sage of the Shakyas, awakened

at age 35 and became the Buddha, the Awakened One.

Or simply the Buddha.

He relished in the serenity and freedom of independence for seven weeks.

He was initially reluctant to discuss his epiphany.

He believed that most people would find it too challenging to understand.

But the Buddha consented when Brahma, the ruler of the three thousand worlds, asked

that he teach.

The First Noble Truth While searching for his first students, Buddha

searched for his former teachers.

However, Udraka and Arada Kalama both passed away recently.

He decided to find the five ascetics who had abandoned him.

Since he had broken his vows, they disregarded and ignored him as he approached them.

But as he continued towards them, they were so moved by his presence that they got up,

made a place for him to sit, washed his feet, and listened as the Buddha began his First

Sermon, putting in motion the dharma.

According to the Buddha's First Noble Truth, all life and existence are characterized by

dukkha.

Sanskrit for "suffering," "pain," or "unsatisfactoriness."

Even happy moments have a way of turning into agony if we cling to them or after they have

faded into memory.

Or they distort the present since the mind is always trying to recreate the past in an

impossible way.

Suffering is true Duhkha is indeed noble.

It is a foundation and stepping stone that must be thoroughly understood; it cannot be

avoided or justified.

The Second Noble Truth, the cause and origin of suffering, is reached through the experience

of dukkha.

Traditionally defined as having a desire, a thirst for pleasure, but more fundamentally,

a thirst for both continuous existence and nonexistence.

The Second Noble Truth, the concept of the "self," or "I," with all of its desires, hopes,

and anxieties, is at the center of the examination of this hunger.

Only when this self is understood and seen as insubstantial is the Third Noble Truth,

the cessation of suffering, realized.

The first sangha

The five ascetics who listened to Buddha's first discourse became the nucleus of a community,

a sangha, of people who followed the path described in the Fourth Noble Truth, the Noble

Eightfold Path.

These bhikkhus roamed around northeastern India, practicing meditation alone or in small

groups, and begged for food.

Their only possessions were a bowl, robe, needle, water strainer, and razor.

But the monastic community was not the only audience for the Buddha's teachings.

Buddha had instructed his followers to bring it to all: "Go ye, O bhikkhus, for the gain

and welfare of the many, in compassion for the world, for the good, and for the welfare

of gods and men."

Using everyday language that everyone could understand, Shakyamuni traveled from village

to village in India for the following 49 years while disseminating his teachings.

One day, he advised a villager to practice mindfulness while gathering water from a well.

On another day, when a distressed woman requested him to heal the dead child she was holding

in her arms, he did not perform a miracle.

Instead, he instructed the women to bring him a mustard seed from a house that never

experienced death.

She returned from her search without the seed but with the knowledge and understanding that

death is universal.

Death and Impermanence Kings gave parks and gardens for retreats

as word of the Buddha's reputation spread.

The Buddha acknowledged them but carried on with his life as he had since he was twenty-nine

years old: as a traveling sadhu who begged for his food and spent his days in meditation.

There was only one difference this time.

The Buddha taught almost every day after his meal at noon.

The lectures he provided and the questions he answered were never documented during his

life.

At the age of 80, the Buddha passed away in the town of Kushinagar in India.

Some of the assembled monks were saddened, but the Buddha, lying on his side, head resting

on his right hand, urged them to take shelter in themselves and the dharma.

He instructed them to remember that all is temporary.

One final time, he requested questions - there were none.

He then spoke his last words, "Now then, bhikkhus, I shall address you: all things are prone

to deterioration; strive diligently."

Five hundred elders are supposed to have assembled in a mountain cave close to Rajagriha during

the first rainy season following the Buddha's parinirvana to hold the First Council.

The Buddha's attendant, Ananda, recounted all the sutras he had heard.

Upali recited the Vinaya, which contained the 250 rules for monks.

Finally, Mahakashyapa recited the Abhidharma, a collection of Buddhist psychology and philosophy.

These three volumes, known as the Tripitaka, were later inscribed on palm leaves and laid

the foundation for all subsequent iterations of Buddhism.