Sixth century BCE was a period of great religious upheaval. Great teachers around the world questioned the established socio-religious norms and focused more on ethical and moral values. During this period India witnessed the growth of Buddhism and Jainism that emphasized that true happiness does not lie in material prosperity.
Gautama Buddha was born as Siddhartha in 563 BCE at Lumbini, Nepal. At the age of 29, he decided to become a wanderer and left his place in search of the truth. He wandered for six years and attained enlightenment (Nirvana) at the age of 35 under a peepal tree at Gaya, Bihar.
He wandered about, teaching his doctrine for over four decades and established a Sangha.
He preached nonviolence and equality. He finally attained at the age of 80 at Kusinara (modern-day Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh).
It is believed his last words were, “All composite things decay, strive diligently”.
The core of Buddha’s doctrine is expressed in the Ariya-Sachchani (Four Noble Truths), Ashtangika-Marga (Eight Fold Path), Middle path and attainment of Nirvana.
The four noble truths are as:
1. The truth of suffering (Dukkha)
2. The truth of the cause of suffering (Samudaya)
3. The truth of the end of suffering (Nirodha)
4. The truth of the path leading to the end of suffering (Ashtangika-Marga)
Ashtanga-Marga is also known as The Eight Fold Path and comprises of right vision, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration. Here ‘right’ signifies ‘proper’, or ‘whole’ and not necessarily ‘right’ as opposed to ‘wrong’. The path taught by Buddha is often referred to as the Middle Path, the one between extreme indulgence and extreme asceticism. By walking on this path one can attain Nirvana i.e., departure from the craving or lusting.
By the means of this article I want the readers to know a little about Buddhism as it is a part of our Nation’s history. Not only that but the good things it teaches.
I do not insist on readers to preach a particular religion but to learn the good things from it and not Buddhism only.
Learn what’s necessary and important and try to be a good human.
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