Something about Buddhism
Buddha was born in an ancient place called Lumbini, in Nepal on the date, 640 B.C, the only child of King Soddodhan and Queen Maya Devi. Buddha was named Siddhartha at the time of his birth. He was a royalty and the future King. There is a myth associated with his birth. It was said that during the time when Buddha entered the world the gods themselves prepared the way before him with different signs. Flowers bloomed and gentle rains fell, although out of season; heavenly music was heard, delicious scents filled the air. It is said that his body had many auspicious marks which showed his future greatness. His mother passed away 7 days after his birth.
On the birth of the child, Siddhartha, the astrologers predicted to his father that the child, on attaining manhood, would become either a universal monarch or abandon his kingdom and would assume the robe of a monk and become a Buddha, a perfectly enlightened soul, for the salvation of mankind.At the age of twenty-nine, Siddhartha Gautama suddenly abandoned his palace to devote himself entirely to spiritual pursuits and Yogic practices.The sight of an old man, a sick man, a corpse and a monk finally induced Siddhartha to renounce the world. He felt that he also would become a prey to old age, disease and death.Also, he noticed the dynamic personality of the monk. He thought to himself that he would go beyond the miseries of this worldly life by renouncing this world of miseries and sorrows. He thought, he is also a subject to decay and not free from the effect of old age. This worldly happiness is transitoryGautama left for ever his home, wealth, power, father, wife and his child. He shaved his head and dressed as a monk to find the solution.he determined to undertake Yogic practices. He practiced severe breathing control techniques. He determined to attain the supreme peace by practicing self-mortification. He started meditating with strong determination to find the solution. He came out victorious with full illumination. He attained Nirvana(eternal peace). His heart was filled with profound mercy and compassion. He was enlightened.
Lord Buddha preached that we will have to find out the cause of sorrow and the way to escape from it. The desire for sensual enjoyment and clinging to earthly life is the cause of sorrow. If we can eradicate desire, all sorrows and pains will come to an end. We will enjoy Nirvana or eternal peace. He put down Eight Fold Paths, and one who follows it will be free of sorrow. This is the basic teachings of Buddhism. It is also know as practical religion because it is based upon the reality of life.
Buddha was a benevolent man and his teachings are all around the world today. He is a savior, an inspirer and a redeemer