BUDDHA
Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as Buddha is the founder of Buddhism. He was a man born in the gardens of Lumbini in Kapilavatsu, present-day Nepal at 623 B.C. He was a philosopher, theorist, spiritual teacher and a religious leader. He was born to a royal and prosperous clan named 'Shakya' who where kshatriyas. . His parents name was Suddhodana and Maya. He was raised in a comfortable manner without knowing the world's poverty and woes. His father, wishing not to loose his son, kept him away from the world's miseries. But one fine day, Siddhartha slunk out of the palace seeking to learn a thing about the world. On his trip, he saw people of disorder, illness, poverty and death.
After many years of self-sacrificing, he thought that to learn a thing being happy and balance is necessary. Truth is important. Then he proceeded to meditate under a tree, today known as the Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya in Bihar. He remained Adhiththan ( meditating strongly ) and meditated for 49 days firmly by which he attained enlightenment. He found the solutions of life and problems and decided to teach many people.
He moved along to the Deer Park near present-day Varanasi and taught the five Brahmins, his first lesson to them. After this a community of monks arose and he also wandered to teach as many people as he can, but never succumbing. He taught to people to be caring to others, including animals, being honest, not to steal. He also told that deeds, whether good or bad both reflect in our lives. Buddha taught to people in Prakrit which is the language of ordinary people. He motivated people to follow what he said. Many people, after his first lesson joined with him.
The formation of bhikkhunī and bhikkus was an important progress of Buddhism. This is a word in Prakrit meaning a 'beggar'. This was followed by both the monks of Buddha and Mahavira. They together lived as a 'sangha' meaning an assembly or association. Vinaya Pataka is a book in which rules of Buddhist Sangha is written. The sanghas meditated most of the time and the rest time they begged for food. The monks usually halted and meditated in the cave hollows. Some of them also wrote enchanting poems depicting their lives in the sangha.
After these valiant efforts Buddha died at Kushinagar at the age of 80, probably from the illness of food-poisoning. He asked many monks whether they have any questions so that he can clear it before being died. His last words were "Strive on, untiringly". His last words to the monks meant try to achieve something, fight without being tired.
Buddha's Quotes :
"Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship."
"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."
"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without."
"We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world."
"You only lose what you cling to."
