Buddha was a founder of the religion called Buddhism. The story of his life seems very interesting. He was born in Lumbini, next to Kapilavastu. His full name is Gautama Buddha. It is a historical name- a combination of his epithet 'Buddha' and his family name 'Gautama'. Buddha has its literal meaning- 'the enlighted one'. The historians cannot define when exactly Buddha was born and when he died. But all historic sources say that his life lasted 80 years.
Sidharta- that was Buddha's firs mane, given by his parents. His father was the head of Kapilavastu's Sakya warrior class. There exists a legend, saying that his mother, shortly before the delivery, had a meaningful dream. She saw a big white elephant going into her womb. Soon after the baby was born, she died. His father remarried and together with his new wife, he was taking care of Buddha's upbringing. he was being prepared to succeed his father's position. But he never wanted to listen to his father. As a young child, he became interested in inner life. he spent time on reflection and meditation. His father was furious, because he wanted the son to rule the warriors and not to be w philosopher.
Buddha wanted to lead a simple life. As a teenager he married and had a son- Rahula. It is believed that on the age of 29, Buddha started to look for the enlightenment. It was a result of meeting an old, seriously ill man and dead bodies. This made him realize that hurting and suffering is something that happens to all people. Afterwards he met a monk, who was medicating. He saw how calm and balanced he is. Buddha decided that he should live similar life. He left his family and all the money he had and began his looking for truth. The Buddhists call this point of his biography the Great Renunciation. They consider it a turning point for their tradition and religion and celebrate it.
Buddha started wandering all over northern India. He became a mendicant. He learnt from many well known Brahman teachers. But his teachers soon realized that he was much better than they were. They couldn't teach him new things. He was wandering and practicing medication for six years. He lead an extremely ascetic life and hoped for the enlightenment.
His dreams came true, when he was 35. It happened when he was medicating sitting under a tree in Buddha Gaya. He decided that he would sit there and not get up until the enlightenment comes. At first, the demons came to him- hundreds of Mara's warriors. They wanted to destroy him completely. But they couldn't distract Buddha's concentration and vanished. In the night he experienced new and higher levels of awareness. He learnt from his ancestors about his former lives. He came to know the 'divine eye'- through which you can see the series of lives of all beings. At least, he got the knowledge of the Four Noble Truths. It was the moment, when he experienced Great Enlightenment. For several weeks he was thinking and meditating on how to fulfill his destination.
Buddha became traveling through the valley the Ganges River. His disciples were his companions. He was telling people about his doctrines, teaching them. Soon he came back to the city where he was born. He met his wife, father and other family members. One wealthy man decided to give money for the monastery in Savatthi. It soon became the main house of Buddha. He was spending much time meditating and teaching there.
Buddha died in Kuinagra in Nepal, when he was 80 years old. It was caused by eating poisoned food. People who lived by him claimed that he must have been aware of the coming death. He told them about it. He didn't want to give his disciples and instructions concerning his creed's future organization and teaching. He was certain that he already said everything that was necessary for them. They cremated Buddha's body after his death.
Buddha is considered one of the best and greatest people ever. He was very brilliant and compassionate. He was a man of vision and great character.
