Lord Buddha and the Advent of the Religion of Buddhism

Buddhism is a popular religion throughout the world. The Eight-fold path of Buddha, Nirvana and Boddhisattva are the common terms one would come across in this wonderful religion of Buddhism. Read on to know more about Lord Buddha and his teachings that prevail almost all over the world

Who was Lord Buddha?

Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and gave birth to Buddhism. — Lord Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama lived somewhere between the 6^th to 4^th centuries BC. He was later known as Lord Buddha. Born as a king, into a royal family, Buddha grew up to be an intelligent and compassionate being. He was a combination of wisdom and good looks. He had all the luxury that royal family members would receive. This included opportunities for him to take part in sports. His wife Yasodhara, was a reward he won in an archery contest. Although he enjoyed several comforts, he was inquisitive about life.

The first important incident that happened in his life was him sighting a severely ill person who was undergoing a lot of suffering at that moment. Later, he saw an old man and finally, a dead person. Witnessing such life events triggered something in Gautama. He was disturbed for several days for he realized that these life events were inevitable by all. Thus, every person in life had to face these hardships and sufferings. The young king wanted to seek an answer to all his questions.

One day, he walked past a meditator who was in deep absorption. Suddenly, the meditator opened his eyes and Gautama felt a kind of connect when their eyes met. He realized that every answer lay within himself. He had to leave his royal life to find peace within himself. Buddha left behind his possessions and began meditating under a tree in Bodhgaya. He attained enlightenment just before he could turn 35. Lord Buddha turned out to be the founder of Buddhism.

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment“.
Buddha

The Eight-fold Path by Buddha:

Eight-fold path teaches values in life — The Eight-fold path teaches essential values in life.

The Eightfold Path consists of the following eight practices:

Right View: Our actions and beliefs have consequences after death. Buddha taught about karma and rebirth, and the importance of the Four Noble Truths.
Right Resolve or Intention: Giving up home and adopting the religious path for a peaceful renunciation. Such practice shall free one from material life and hence, shall reduce sufferings.
Right Speech: Lying, rude speech and gossiping are unwelcome. Such things have no place in Buddhism.
Right Conduct or Action: One must not kill or injure, take what is not offered, involve in sexual acts and material desires.
Right Livelihood: One should not possess more than the requirement for living. Moreover, we should beg to feed others and not just live for ourselves.
Right Effort: to channelize energies in your body in the right direction.
Right Mindfulness: to develop an awareness of the impermanence of the body, feeling and mind. To experience the five aggregates, the five hindrances, the four True Realities and seven factors of awakening.
Right Samadhi: Focusing the mind and regulating one’s thoughts is essential.

What is the so-called Nirvana:

Nirvana is the highest state of profound well-being a human can attain. The mind awakens from delusion and is freed from bondage. It is cleansed of all its desecration and becomes entirely at peace. Suffering ends and is no longer reborn. Many masters have experienced Nirvana. They claimed that they had unexpectedly given creative and spontaneous responses to ordinary situations.

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”
Buddha

Boddhisattva – a Disciple of Buddhism:

Young children are made to follow Buddhism from childhood. — A Young Monk

A bodhisattva is a person who is on the course pointing towards Buddhahood. In early Buddhist schools, bodhisattva referred to one who has made a resolution to become a Buddha. A bodhisattva is a Buddhist deity who is yet to attain the highest level of enlightenment. Their entry into paradise is delayed because of helping those in the material world.

The different types of Buddhism:

Buddhism is of three main types:

Theravada Buddhism (The School of the Elders):

The Theravada teaches about karma and the practice of meditating. This creates distance from difficult thoughts and feelings. It insists on the fact that thoughts and feelings are not personal. However, this notion helps us to not only act beneficially but also gain positive karma. The main goal is the liberation of the soul from all disturbances.

Mahayana Buddhism (Great Way):

Mahayana teaches a disciple to be useful to others. This is the Bodhisattva Attitude. The teachings aim at gradually increasing compassion and wisdom. Their goal is not just liberation. It is to fully enlighten themselves for the benefit of all. Altogether, the Mahayana method includes the Theravada teachings too.

Vajrayana Buddhism (Diamond Way):

The teachers directly teach those who have a special kind of confidence. One understands that he/she can only perceive perfection outside. This is due to the existence of the same perfection inside. In Vajrayana, we consider Buddha a mirror to our own mind. The teachings point out the perfect qualities of the mind. These qualities are the Buddhist Tantras. Altogether, the Vajrayana includes the Theravada and Mahayana teachings too.

Conclusion:

Buddhism is open to all castes and professions. Therefore, it ultimately points towards that which is real. Buddha encouraged his students to question his teachings. Hence, he believed in them learning through their own experiences. After all, people admire Buddhism for its non-dogmatic approach to life and values that lead to a peaceful living.