Siddhartha Gautama
- Born:
- c. 563 BCE, Lumbini (present-day Nepal)
- Died:
- c. 483 BCE, Kushinagar (present-day India)
- Nationality:
- Shakya Republic (present-day Nepal/India border)
- Profession(s):
- Spiritual Teacher, Philosopher, Founder of Buddhism
Early Life and Education
- Born into a royal family of the Shakya clan.
- Prophesied to become either a great king or a great spiritual leader.
- Shielded from the suffering of the world in his early years.
- Married at a young age and had a son.
Career and Major Achievements
- At the age of 29, renounced his privileged life after encountering suffering (old age, sickness, death).
- Embarked on a spiritual quest, seeking enlightenment through asceticism and meditation.
- Attained enlightenment (Nirvana) under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya.
- Became known as the Buddha ("the awakened one").
- Spent the remaining years of his life teaching the Dharma (the path to liberation from suffering).
- Established the Sangha (the monastic community).
- The history of Gautama Buddha in Telugu and other languages details his life and teachings and their subsequent spread.
Notable Works
While Gautama Buddha did not directly author texts, his teachings were transmitted orally and later compiled into the Pali Canon and other Buddhist scriptures.
- The Four Noble Truths: The essence of his teachings on suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path to cessation.
- The Eightfold Path: The practical guide to achieving liberation, encompassing right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
Legacy and Impact
Gautama Buddha's teachings have profoundly impacted the world, giving rise to Buddhism, one of the world's major religions. His philosophy of non-violence, compassion, and mindfulness continues to inspire millions across the globe.