by Gautam buddha also known as Siddharta and Lord Buddha, was the founder of the Buddhism. He was the son of the royal couple King Suddhodana and Queen Mahamaya. Historians confirm that he was born in 624 BC in Lumbini. Buddhism, as a religion, believes in the spiritual development with an in-depth understanding of life. Buddhism believes that life is a viscous cycle. Happiness, sorrow, resentment, hatred, love, anxiety, and fear are a part of the entire journey of life and attainment of wisdom is the only path to serenity.
Early life of Gautam buddha
As per the customs, Queen Mahamaya was traveling to her parental home to give birth to her baby. Mythology says that as the time was approaching near to Buddha’s birth, Gods prepared the way for him with cosmic signs. Thus, on the full moon night, in the gentle rain and in the midst of scented air from the bloomed flowers, Buddha was born in Lumbini. The infant Siddhartha was born with thirty-two auspicious marks on his body. The sages predicted his great future. The queen died after seven days of Siddhartha’s birth. He was raised by Mahaprajapati, the sister of Queen Mahamaya.
The astrologers predicted that Siddharta on attaining Manhood would renounce the world for attaining the higher goals of life. The thought of losing his son made King Suddhodana apprehensive and he asked the astrologers what would compel his son to opt for renunciation. The astrologers confirmed those things would be – diseased man, old age, death and a monk. Suddhodana tried his level best to keep his son busy with luxurious indulgence. He was married to Yashodhara and a son was born to them named Rahul. At the age of twenty-nine, Gautama Buddha abandoned his home, family, wealth, power and dominion in the quest for the higher consciousness.
Buddha’s Enlightenment
Bodh Gaya is the sacred place in Buddhism. It is here under the Bodhi tree that Lord Buddha attained the ultimate knowledge and the state of ultimate bliss. After gaining enlightenment, Gautam Buddha went on to teach the first wheel of Dharma, which made the common people aware of the four noble truths. The first noble truth is that human life is full of sufferings. The Karma, good or bad deeds of a person, determines the quality of life bestowed upon him in the next life. The second noble truth is that desire is the main cause of suffering. Abandonment of the desire to dispel suffering is taught in the third teaching. The fourth truth says that the desire for worldly pleasure can be abandoned following the eightfold path.
Religious Practices in Buddhism
Buddha Purnima is celebrated all over the world to commemorate the birth of Lord Gautam buddha. Sermons and preachings of Lord Buddha are recited on this day by the followers of Buddhism. The festival is widely celebrated at Sarnath, Kushinagar and Gaya. The idol of Lord Gautam buddha is taken out at a procession for public display at Sarnath. To withhold the religious sanctity of Buddhism, Government of India observes Buddha Purnima as a gazetted holiday.
