The life of Gautama Buddha is a journey of spiritual awakening, from his birth as Siddhartha Gautama to his enlightenment and teachings. Born in 563 BCE in Lumbini, Nepal, Siddhartha renounced his royal life after seeing the suffering in the world.
He became the Buddha (the Enlightened One) and shared his wisdom through the teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. His life continues to inspire millions, offering a path to peace and happiness. This guide covers key events in the life of Buddha, followed by multiple-choice questions to test your understanding.
The Birth and Early Life of Gautama Buddha
Birth and Family Background
- Birth Name: Siddhartha
- Other Names: Gautama Buddha, Sakyamuni, Tathagata
- Date of Birth: 563 BCE, on Vaishakha Poornima Day
- Birthplace: Lumbini, near Kapilavastu (present-day Nepal)
- Father: Suddhodana, chief of the Sakya clan, ruler of the region of Kapilavastu in the Kosala Kingdom
- Mother: Mahamaya, a princess of the Kosala dynasty
◾Also Explore: Early Buddhist Literature: Notable points
Death of Mother and Early Upbringing
- Mother’s Passing: Siddhartha’s mother, Mahamaya, tragically passed away seven days after his birth.
- Raised by Stepmother: Siddhartha was then raised by his stepmother, Gautami.
Prophetic Predictions
- Brahmanas’ Predictions:
- Shortly after Siddhartha’s birth, Brahmanas observed 32 marks on his body.
- These marks signified that he was a Mahapurusha (great man).
- They predicted he would either become a world conqueror or a world renounce.
- Father’s Desire for Kingship:
- Siddhartha’s father, Suddhodana, aimed to shield him from all sources of suffering.
- He hoped to prevent Siddhartha from choosing the path of renunciation.
- Siddhartha was raised in luxury and comfort.
Sources of Buddha’s Biography
- Sutta and Vinaya Pitakas: The briefest accounts of Buddha’s life are found in the Sutta and Vinaya Pitakas.
- Later Texts: More detailed and connected stories of Buddha’s life are found in later texts such as the Buddhacharita, Mahavastu, and Nidanakatha.
Early Life and Marriage
- Marriage and Family: At the age of 16, Siddhartha was married to Yashodhara, and they had a son named Rahula.
The Great Renunciation (Mahabhinishkramana)
The Four Sights: At the age of 29, Siddhartha witnessed four life-changing sights:
- An old man: Representing aging and the inevitable decline of life.
- A sick man: Demonstrating the suffering caused by illness.
- A corpse: The reality of death and its inescapable nature.
- An ascetic: A wandering monk who had renounced the world in search of spiritual truth.
- These sights led Siddhartha to question the meaning of life and suffering, prompting him to leave his life of luxury in the palace to seek the truth. He left with Channa, his charioteer, and his favorite horse, Kanthaka, in a journey known as the Mahabhinishkramana or Great Renunciation.
Search for Truth and Spiritual Practices
Meditation with Teachers: Siddhartha studied under two well-known teachers of the time:
- Alara Kalama: Siddhartha practiced meditation under him but was not satisfied with the teachings, as they did not lead to the liberation he sought.
- Uddaka Ramaputta: He also studied with Uddaka but realized that the mental disciplines alone did not provide the answer to his quest for truth.
- Austerities: Siddhartha then joined five wandering ascetics – Kondanna, Bhaddiya, Vappa, Mahanama, and Assaji – and practiced severe austerities. His body became emaciated, but he soon realized that these extreme practices did not lead to enlightenment.
- Abandonment of Austerities: Realizing the futility of such practices, Siddhartha abandoned the austerities and began a more balanced approach to seeking truth. His five ascetic companions, disappointed by his decision, left him and went to Sarnath.
Enlightenment Under the Bodhi Tree
Meeting with Sujata
- On his way to the village of Senani, Siddhartha was offered a bowl of milk-rice by Sujata, a village girl from a low-caste family. This simple offering marked a turning point in his journey.
The Bodhi Tree
- Siddhartha then accepted a gift of kusa grass from a grass-cutter and sat under a Peepal tree facing east, now known as the Bodhi Tree.
- He vowed not to rise from the seat until he attained Enlightenment: “Here on this seat my body may shrivel up,
my skin, my bones, my flesh may dissolve,
but my body will not move from this seat
until I have attained Enlightenment,
so difficult to obtain in the course of many kalpas.”
- He vowed not to rise from the seat until he attained Enlightenment: “Here on this seat my body may shrivel up,
The Path to Enlightenment
- Siddhartha meditated deeply under the tree, determined to find the answers to the suffering and the cycle of birth and death.
- It was here, through his meditation and insights, that he attained Enlightenment, thus becoming Buddha, the Awakened One.
The Temptation of Mara and Attainment of Enlightenment
Mara’s Distraction
- As Gautama sat in deep meditation under the Bodhi tree, Mara, the Lord of Illusions, sensed that his power was about to be overcome. In a desperate attempt to distract Gautama, Mara unleashed his full force to interrupt his meditation and prevent his attainment of enlightenment.
Calling the Earth to Witness
- Gautama, unwavering in his resolve, touched the earth and called it to bear witness to the countless lifetimes of virtue he had accumulated on his journey toward enlightenment.
- In response, the earth shook, confirming the truth of his words and signifying the support of the universe in his quest.
Mara’s Army of Demons
- In retaliation, Mara sent his army of demons to wage an epic battle against Gautama.
Victory through Wisdom and Compassion
- Despite the onslaught, Gautama’s wisdom shattered the illusions of Mara’s forces, and his compassion transformed the demons’ weapons into flowers, rendering them harmless.
- In defeat, Mara and his army fled in disarray, marking the triumph of Gautama’s inner peace and determination.
The Attainment of Nirvana
- Nirvana at Gaya: At the age of 35, Gautama finally attained Nirvana (Enlightenment) at Gaya, in the region of Magadha (modern-day Bihar), under the Bodhi tree at Uruvela (near the Niranjana River).
- From this moment, he came to be known as the Buddha, the Enlightened One, having overcome the illusions of Mara and achieved a profound understanding of the nature of existence.
The Fate of the Bodhi Tree
- Destruction of the Bodhi Tree: According to legend, Queen Tissarakkha, the wife of Emperor Ashoka, grew jealous of the sacred Bodhi tree. In the nineteenth year of Ashoka’s reign, she caused the tree to be destroyed using mandu thorns.
- Resilience of the Tree: Despite this attempt, the Bodhi tree grew again, symbolizing the enduring nature of the Buddha’s teachings and the resilience of truth and enlightenment.
The Resilience of the Bodhi Tree
- Destruction and Replanting:
- The Bodhi tree, under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, was cut down multiple times throughout history.
- King Pushyamitra Shunga destroyed the tree in the second century BCE, and King Shashanka of Bengal followed with the destruction in 600 CE.
- However, in both instances, a new tree was planted at the same sacred site in Bodh Gaya, and the tree is still revered by Buddhists as a symbol of the Buddha’s enlightenment and enduring legacy.
The First Sermon – DhammaChakka-Pavattana
The Turning of the Wheel of Dharma:
- After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha delivered his first sermon at a deer park in Sarnath to his five former companions.
- This sermon is known as DhammaChakka-Pavattana or the “Turning of the Wheel of Dharma,” where the Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, offering a way to overcome suffering.
- His five companions soon realized the truth of his teachings and became Arhats, enlightened disciples of the Buddha.
The Buddha’s Mission and Legacy
Wandering and Teaching
- For over four decades, the Buddha traveled, spreading his teachings of the Middle Way and the path to liberation.
- He established the Sangha, an order of monks and nuns dedicated to following his teachings.
Attaining Parinibbana
- At the age of 80, the Buddha attained Parinibbana (final Nirvana) in Kusinara (in the Malla kingdom).
- It is believed that his final words were: “All composite things decay, strive diligently.”
Five Representations of the Buddha
| Symbol | Representation |
|---|---|
| Lotus and Bull | Symbolizing his birth |
| Horse | Representing his renunciation of worldly life |
| Bodhi Tree | Representing the Mahabodhi (site of his enlightenment) |
| Dhammachakra Pravartana | Representing his first sermon |
| Footprints | Symbolizing his Nirvana (final enlightenment) |
Life of the Gautama Buddha in a Nutshell
| Topic | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Birth and Family Background | – Birth Name: Siddhartha |
| – Other Names: Gautama Buddha, Sakyamuni, Tathagata | |
| – Date of Birth: 563 BCE, Vaishakha Poornima Day | |
| – Birthplace: Lumbini, near Kapilavastu (present-day Nepal) | |
| – Father: Suddhodana, chief of the Sakya clan | |
| – Mother: Mahamaya, princess of the Kosala dynasty | |
| Death of Mother and Upbringing | – Mother’s Passing: Died seven days after his birth |
| – Raised By: Stepmother, Gautami | |
| Prophetic Predictions | – Brahmanas’ Predictions: Siddhartha had 32 marks, signifying greatness |
| – Father’s Desire: Shielded Siddhartha from suffering to ensure kingship | |
| Marriage and Family | – Wife: Yashodhara |
| – Son: Rahula | |
| The Great Renunciation | – Age: 29 |
| – The Four Sights: Aging, sickness, death, and an ascetic | |
| – Journey: Left palace with Channa and horse Kanthaka | |
| Search for Truth | – Teachers: Alara Kalama and Uddaka Ramaputta |
| – Austerities: Practiced severe austerities with five ascetics | |
| – Realization: Abandoned austerities for a balanced approach | |
| Enlightenment | – Meeting Sujata: Milk-rice offering |
| – Bodhi Tree: Sat under the tree at Gaya, vowed to attain enlightenment | |
| – Age of Enlightenment: 35 | |
| – Challenges: Mara’s distractions and his army of demons | |
| – Victory: Called the earth to witness and defeated Mara | |
| Teachings | – First Sermon: Delivered at Sarnath, DhammaChakka-Pavattana |
| – Core Teachings: Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path | |
| Legacy | – Mission: Traveled teaching the Middle Way for over 40 years |
| – Established: Sangha (order of monks and nuns) | |
| Parinibbana | – Age: 80 |
| – Place: Kusinara (Malla Kingdom) | |
| – Last Words: “All composite things decay, strive diligently.” | |
| Bodhi Tree Resilience | – Destruction and Replanting: Destroyed and replanted multiple times |
| – Current Symbol: Represents enlightenment and enduring legacy |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which of the following texts provides the briefest accounts of Buddha’s life?
a) Mahavastu
b) Buddhacharita
c) Sutta and Vinaya Pitakas
d) Nidanakatha
2. At what age did Siddhartha get married to Yashodhara?
a) 29 years
b) 35 years
c) 16 years
d) 18 years
3. The term “Mahabhinishkramana” refers to which event in Buddha’s life?
a) His first sermon at Sarnath
b) His attainment of Nirvana
c) His renunciation of worldly life
d) His meditation under the Bodhi tree
4. Which of the following sights did Siddhartha NOT witness during the “Four Sights”?
a) An old man
b) A sick man
c) A king
d) A corpse
5. What was the name of Siddhartha’s charioteer who accompanied him during his renunciation?
a) Alara Kalama
b) Uddaka Ramaputta
c) Channa
d) Rahula
6. Under whom did Siddhartha first practice meditation in his quest for truth?
a) Kondanna
b) Alara Kalama
c) Assaji
d) Sujata
7. How did Siddhartha feel about the teachings of Alara Kalama and Uddaka Ramaputta?
a) Completely satisfied
b) Indifferent
c) Not satisfied as they did not lead to liberation
d) Disappointed and disillusioned
8. What was the name of the girl who offered Siddhartha a bowl of milk-rice?
a) Sujata
b) Yashodhara
c) Mahanama
d) Senani
9. Where did Siddhartha sit to attain Enlightenment?
a) Sarnath
b) Gaya Hill
c) Under the Bodhi Tree (Peepal Tree)
d) In the village of Senani
10. What happened to Siddhartha’s companions when he abandoned austerities?
a) They followed him to the Bodhi Tree
b) They continued to practice with him
c) They left him and went to Sarnath
d) They encouraged him to find a balanced approach
11. Who attempted to distract Siddhartha during his meditation under the Bodhi tree?
a) Alara Kalama
b) Uddaka Ramaputta
c) Mara, the Lord of Illusions
d) Sujata
12. How did Siddhartha respond to Mara’s distractions?
a) He fled from the Bodhi tree
b) He touched the earth to bear witness to his virtues
c) He called upon his ascetic companions for help
d) He ignored Mara and ended his meditation
13. At what age did Siddhartha attain Nirvana (Enlightenment)?
a) 29 years
b) 35 years
c) 40 years
d) 45 years
14. What was the fate of the original Bodhi tree under which Siddhartha attained Enlightenment?
a) It was never harmed
b) It was destroyed by Emperor Ashoka
c) It was destroyed by Queen Tissarakkha, the wife of Emperor Ashoka
d) It was relocated to another site
15. What does the resilience of the Bodhi tree symbolize?
a) The fragility of nature
b) The enduring nature of the Buddha’s teachings
c) The victory of Buddhism over other religions
d) The power of emperors to preserve sacred sites
16. Where did Buddha deliver his first sermon, known as DhammaChakka-Pavattana?
a) Bodh Gaya
b) Deer Park in Sarnath
c) Kushinagar
d) Lumbini
17. What key teachings were introduced by Buddha in his first sermon?
a) The Ten Commandments
b) The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path
c) The Middle Way only
d) The concept of Parinibbana
18. What is the meaning of Parinibbana, which Buddha attained at the age of 80?
a) Birth
b) Final Nirvana
c) Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree
d) Renunciation of worldly life
19. Which of the following symbols represents Buddha’s renunciation of worldly life?
a) Horse
b) Lotus and Bull
c) Bodhi Tree
d) Dhammachakra
20. What were Buddha’s final words before attaining Parinibbana?
a) “The path is found within.”
b) “All composite things decay, strive diligently.”
c) “Meditate under the Bodhi Tree.”
d) “The Four Noble Truths are the key to liberation.”
