Gautam Buddha

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Gautama Buddha, also known simply as the Buddha, was a spiritual teacher and the founder of Buddhism. He was born as Prince Siddhartha in Lumbini, near Kapilavastu (present-day Nepal), around 566 BC. His father was Suddhodhana, the chief of the Sakya clan, and his mother was Queen Mahamaya.
Siddhartha lived a luxurious and sheltered life in his early years, but he became deeply troubled by the suffering he observed in the world, such as sickness, old age, and death. At the age of 29, he renounced his princely life, leaving behind his family and material wealth, to seek spiritual enlightenment and a solution to human suffering.
After years of ascetic practices and meditation, Siddhartha attained enlightenment at the age of 35 under the Bodhi tree in Uruvela (Bodh Gaya, Bihar). Following his enlightenment, he came to be known as Gautama Buddha, or simply the Buddha, which means the “enlightened one” or the “awakened one.”
Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which are central tenets of Buddhism. His teachings emphasize the path to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana, a state of liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Gautama Buddha passed away around 483 BC in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, achieving a state known as Mahaparinirvana. His teachings continue to influence millions of followers worldwide, and Buddhism has become one of the major world religions.

What the Buddha Taught in Buddhism

Here are the teachings:

Learn the Middle Path, avoiding extreme behaviours like overindulgence or strict abstinence.
Understand the Four Noble Truths (Arya Satya) in Buddhism:

Four Noble Truths – Buddhism Facts for UPSC

1. The world is full of sorrow

2. Desire is the root cause of all sorrow

3. Sorrow can be conquered by conquering desire

4. Desire can be conquered by following the eight-fold paths (Ashtangirka Marga)

The Eightfold Path in Buddhism is:

Right Understanding
Right Resolve
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Living
Right Efforts
Right Thought
Right Self-concentration

The Tri Ratnas of Buddhism are Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. Details are mentioned below:

Triratnas of Buddhism	Meaning of Triratnas
Buddha	the highest spiritual potential in everyone.
Dhamma	the teachings of Buddha (Pali for Sanskrit Dharma or righteousness)
Sangha	order of monks who follow Buddhism.

Buddha rejected belief in God or the soul.
Emphasis on karma and ahimsa in his teachings.
Opposed the varna system.
Taught in the Pali language.
Spread of Buddhism to various countries beyond India.
China adopted Buddhism in the 1st century AD.

Facts about Gautam Buddha for UPSC

Buddhism was founded by Gautama Buddha.
Born as Prince Siddhartha in 566 BC at Lumbini near Kapilavastu (present Nepal).
Son of Suddhodhana, chief of the Sakya clan; known as ‘Sakyamuni’.
Mother’s death during childbirth or seven days later; raised by maternal aunt Prajapati Gautami, earning him the name ‘Gautama’.
Married to Yashodhara; had a son named Rahula.
Left home at 29 for asceticism (Mahabhishkramana).
Renunciation is inspired by witnessing a sick man, old man, corpse, and ascetic.
Wandered for seven years; attained enlightenment at 35 under the Bodhi tree in Uruvela (Bodh Gaya, Bihar).
First sermon at Sarnath near Varanasi (Dharmachakra Pravartana/Dhammachakkappavattana).
Died in 483 BC under a Sal tree in Kushinagar (Mahaparinirvana).
The term ‘Buddha’ means ‘enlightened one’.
Important contemporaries: Mahavira Jaina, Kings Prasenjit, Bimbisara, and Ajatasatru.

FAQs

What are the four noble truths in Buddhism?

1. The world is full of sorrow, 2. Desire is the root cause of all sorrow, 3. Sorrow can be conquered by conquering desire, 4. Desire can be conquered by following the eight-fold paths (Ashtangirka Marga).