Gautam buddha story in english

When was gautama buddha born and died

Siddhartha, who later became known as the Buddha — or The Enlightened One — was a prince who forsook the comforts of a palace to seek enlightenment. He realised the essential unreality of the world and experienced the bliss of Nirvana. After his enlightenment, he spent the remainder of his life teaching others how to escape the endless cycle of birth and death.

Buddha was born approximately BCE in the district of Lumbini, which is now modern-day Nepal, close to the Indian border. He was brought up in a palace with all the comforts and luxuries possible. Growing up a young noble prince, it is said his father sought to shield the young prince Siddhartha from the pain and suffering of the world. It is said his father had a premonition that Siddhartha would one day renounce the world.

However, at one point in his early adult life, Siddhartha sought to find a greater meaning to life. In disguise, he left the palace and wandered around the kingdom.

When was gautama buddha born how many years ago

Here, Siddhartha came across different people suffering from old age and illness and witnessed death. This showed him the transitory nature of life, which had a great impact on him. As a consequence, Siddhartha resolved to seek a deeper meaning of life. Secretly, Siddhartha left the palace — leaving behind his wife, son and all the worldly comforts that he had enjoyed.

He devoted himself to meditation, seeking enlightenment amongst the ascetics of the forest. In his intense quest for enlightenment, Siddhartha fasted excessively so his body wasted away; however, despite his great efforts enlightenment still remained a far cry. At one point, a passing woman gave him some food to eat and Siddhartha realised it was a mistake to seek enlightenment by torturing the body.

On one day, Siddhartha resolved to sit under a Bodhi tree until he attained enlightenment.