Siddhartha Gautama was also known by his name Gautama Buddha. He was born in India’s 6th century BCE. His parents believed Siddhartha Gautama or their son was going be something exceptional. They decided to consult an astrologer and ask him for predictions about his future. He would either become a ruler like the father of their family, or a holyman. If he is kept from poverty, sickness, and death, they could avoid that fate. His parents decided that the prince would be safe in their palace. They knew he would never experience the outside world and that they would protect him from any such unpleasant experiences.
Siddhartha is raised in the palace, and he eventually marries and has children. However, Siddhartha saw the lives of ordinary people when he drove his cart outside the palace. He meets an old man, a man in pain, a man who is ill, and a man who is also a homeless man. Siddhartha was shocked to learn that people can become sick and that poor people can die. Siddhartha eventually realized that life was nothing but suffering. Siddhartha did not want anyone to suffer. Siddhartha decides to stop eating. He will make himself a homeless monk and ascetic. Siddhartha began to lose weight quickly and realized that it didn’t work. He will never be happier.
Siddhartha stops starving. Then he finds a Bodhi Bodhi Bodhi and sits down under it to meditate. Mara, an evil demonic demon, appeared to tempt Siddhartha into quitting his mediation. Mara offers Siddhartha many wonderful things, but Siddhartha refuses to leave and just stays there. Siddhartha finally realizes what is wrong after 39 days. He discovered that humans can never be satisfied. They will always want more.
Siddhartha is now aware of the truth and has become Buddha. Now he is Buddha. Buddha wants to make this a reality for more people. He encourages his followers to listen to his teachings and then follow him. Buddha preaches not only to them but also to all people.
Hinduism is a religion that all Indians are Hindu. It holds that the living die to be born again. It’s an endless loop. Buddha teaches that samsara is the only way to get out of suffering. Buddha was both rich and poor and said neither were good. Buddha believes that it is better to choose the middle path. Buddha was asked by another person where would you go after you die if you’re not born over again. Buddha said that although you won’t reach a certain place, you will be in a position where you are free from desire for Nirvana. Nirvana is the state of being completely satisfied. You have achieved a state of peace where all your desires are gone.
