Buddhism: Life of Buddha, Teachings & Councils Buddhism: Life of Buddha, Teachings & Councils

Gautama Buddha, originally named Siddhartha, was the founder of Buddhism. He was born in 563 BCE at Lumbini (present-day Nepal) in the Sakya clan. His father was Suddhodana, the chief of the Sakya republic, and his mother was Mahamaya. He was raised by his aunt, Mahapajapati Gotami, after his mother passed away shortly after his birth.

• Early Life: Siddhartha was shielded from suffering and worldly miseries. He married Yashodhara and had a son named Rahula.
• The Four Great Sights: At the age of 29, he encountered an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and an ascetic. These sights deeply moved him and made him realize the impermanence of life and the prevalence of suffering.
• The Great Renunciation (Mahabhinishkraman): He left his palace, wife, and son in search of truth and enlightenment. This event is symbolized by a horse.
• Enlightenment (Nirvana/Sambodhi): After years of asceticism and meditation, he attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree (Pipal tree) at Bodh Gaya (Bihar) on the full moon night of Vaishakha Purnima. This event is symbolized by the Bodhi tree.
• First Sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana): Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath (near Varanasi) to his five former companions. This event is known as 'Turning the Wheel of Dharma' and is symbolized by a wheel.
• Mahaparinirvana: Buddha passed away at the age of 80 in 483 BCE at Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh). This event is symbolized by a Stupa.

The core of Buddha's teachings revolves around the Four Noble Truths, which explain the nature of suffering and the path to liberation:

1. Dukkha (Suffering): Life is full of suffering, sorrow, and dissatisfaction. Birth, old age, sickness, death, separation from loved ones, and not getting what one desires are all forms of suffering.
2. Samudaya (Origin of Suffering): The cause of suffering is craving or desire (Trishna). This includes desire for sensual pleasures, for existence, and for non-existence.
3. Nirodha (Cessation of Suffering): Suffering can be ended by eliminating craving and desire. This state of complete cessation of suffering is Nirvana.
4. Magga (Path to Cessation of Suffering): The path to end suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path is the practical guideline for ethical and mental development with the goal of freeing individuals from attachment and delusions, and it leads to understanding of the truth. It is often divided into three categories:

• Prajna (Wisdom):
  • Right Understanding (Samma Ditthi): Understanding the Four Noble Truths.
  • Right Thought (Samma Sankappa): Thoughts of non-violence, renunciation, and love.
• Sila (Ethical Conduct):
  • Right Speech (Samma Vaca): Avoiding lying, harsh speech, slander, and idle chatter.
  • Right Action (Samma Kammanta): Avoiding killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct.
  • Right Livelihood (Samma Ajiva): Earning a living in a way that does not harm others.
• Samadhi (Mental Discipline):
  • Right Effort (Samma Vayama): Striving to prevent unwholesome states and generate wholesome ones.
  • Right Mindfulness (Samma Sati): Awareness of one's body, feelings, mind, and phenomena.
  • Right Concentration (Samma Samadhi): Developing deep meditative concentration.

Buddha advocated the 'Middle Path' (Madhyama Marga), which avoids the extremes of self-indulgence and severe asceticism.

Buddhist Councils were significant gatherings where monks discussed and codified the teachings of Buddha. Four major councils are recognized:

Over time, Buddhism diversified into various schools and sects:

• Hinayana (The Lesser Vehicle): Adhered to the original teachings of Buddha, emphasizing individual salvation through self-discipline and meditation. Did not believe in idol worship. Predominantly found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand (Theravada Buddhism).
• Mahayana (The Greater Vehicle): Emerged after the 4th Buddhist Council. Believed in the divinity of Buddha and Bodhisattvas (enlightened beings who delay their own Nirvana to help others). Emphasized universal salvation and idol worship. Predominantly found in China, Japan, Korea, Tibet, Vietnam.
• Vajrayana (The Diamond Vehicle): A tantric form of Buddhism that developed later, incorporating elements of magic and rituals. Prevalent in Tibet and Mongolia.

Sacred Texts (Tripitaka - The Three Baskets): Written in Pali language.

• Vinaya Pitaka: Contains rules and regulations for the monastic order (Sangha).
• Sutta Pitaka: Contains the main teachings and sermons of Buddha. Divided into five Nikayas (collections).
• Abhidhamma Pitaka: Deals with the philosophical and psychological aspects of Buddhist doctrine.

Other Important Texts:

• Jataka Tales: Stories of Buddha's previous births, illustrating moral principles.
• Milindapanho: A dialogue between the Indo-Greek king Menander (Milinda) and the Buddhist monk Nagasena.
• Buddhacharita: An epic poem by Asvaghosha on the life of Buddha.

Various symbols are associated with the life and teachings of Buddha:

• Lotus and Bull: Symbolize Buddha's birth.
• Horse: Symbolizes the Great Renunciation (Mahabhinishkraman).
• Bodhi Tree: Symbolizes Enlightenment (Nirvana/Sambodhi).
• Wheel (Dharmachakra): Symbolizes the First Sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana) and the Eightfold Path.
• Stupa: Symbolizes Mahaparinirvana (death of Buddha).
• Empty Throne: Symbolizes the absence of Buddha's physical presence after his passing, representing his teachings.

Key Buddhist Sites (The Four Holy Places):

• Lumbini: Birthplace of Buddha.
• Bodh Gaya: Place of Enlightenment.
• Sarnath: Place of the First Sermon.
• Kushinagar: Place of Mahaparinirvana.

Other significant sites include Vaishali, Rajagriha, Sravasti, Sankasya, and Kapilavastu.

Buddhism gained significant patronage from various rulers, leading to its widespread adoption:

• Ashoka (Mauryan Dynasty): The greatest patron of Buddhism. After the Kalinga War, he converted to Buddhism and propagated it through rock and pillar edicts, sending missionaries (including his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka). He built numerous stupas and viharas.
• Kanishka (Kushan Dynasty): A significant patron, especially of Mahayana Buddhism. He convened the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir.
• Harsha (Pushyabhuti Dynasty): Though initially a Shaivite, he later became a patron of Buddhism, especially Mahayana. He held religious assemblies at Kannauj and Prayag.
• Pala Rulers (Bengal and Bihar): Devout patrons of Buddhism, particularly Vajrayana. They established famous learning centers like Nalanda and Vikramshila universities, which flourished as centers of Buddhist education.

Decline of Buddhism in India:

• Revival of Brahmanism and the rise of Bhakti movement.
• Lack of royal patronage after the Guptas.
• Destruction of Buddhist monasteries and universities by foreign invaders (e.g., Turkish invasions).
• Assimilation of Buddha into Hinduism as an avatar of Vishnu.
• Internal divisions within the Buddhist Sangha.