Detailed Biography of the Buddha
Birth and Early Life
Miraculous Birth
- Queen Maya’s Dream: Tradition holds that Queen Maya, Siddhartha’s mother, had a dream where a white elephant entered her side, signifying the birth of a significant and holy figure.
- Birth under the Sal Tree: Siddhartha was born in Lumbini under a sal tree. It is said he took seven steps and declared that this would be his final rebirth.
Royal Prophecies
- Asita’s Prophecy: A sage named Asita predicted that Siddhartha would either become a great king or a supreme spiritual leader.
Path to Renunciation
The Four Sights Explained
- Old Age, Sickness, Death, and Renunciation: Each of the Four Sights represented a fundamental aspect of human suffering and sparked Siddhartha’s realization of life’s impermanence and suffering.
Great Departure
- Renunciation: Siddhartha left his family and royal comforts in search of a solution to human suffering, marking his Great Departure. He cut off his hair, exchanged his royal clothes for ascetic robes, and began his quest for enlightenment.
Ascetic Practices and Enlightenment
Studies with Teachers
- Alara Kalama and Uddaka Ramaputta: Siddhartha first studied under these renowned teachers and mastered their meditative techniques but found their teachings inadequate for the ultimate liberation he sought.
Severe Austerities
- Extreme Practices: Siddhartha joined a group of ascetics and practiced severe austerities, including prolonged fasting. His body became emaciated, but he realized that this approach was not leading to enlightenment.
Middle Way
- Bodhi Tree and Enlightenment: Adopting the Middle Way, he regained strength and sat under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, vowing to meditate until he attained enlightenment. Through deep meditation, he achieved enlightenment, realizing the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
