Diya Upreti, Jadetimes Staff
Diya Upreti is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia news
Buddha and Buddhism: A Path of Enlightenment
Buddhism, the world's oldest major religion, has its roots in Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Born more than 2,500 years ago in ancient India, Buddhism has gone on to influence the spiritual and philosophical development of Asia and the world. Based on peace, wisdom, and self-realization, it provides a path to enlightenment that inspires millions of people around the globe.
The Life of Siddhartha Gautama
Siddhartha Gautama was born c. 563 BCE at Lumbini (present-day Nepal) into a royal clan. His father, King Suddhodana, protected him from misery by imprisoning him in a palace of luxury. Nevertheless, the worldview of Siddhartha transformed after he encountered the "Four Sights": an old person, a ill man, a corpse, and an ascetic. These sighted experiences compelled him to consider the universality of suffering and triggered his quest for truth.
Abandoning his life of royalty, he set out on a spiritual path, practicing extreme asceticism in pursuit of enlightenment. After years of intense discipline, he came to understand that self-mortification was not the solution. Rather, he embraced the Middle Path, a middle way between indulgence and deprivation. Sitting under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Siddhartha sat in meditation until he reached enlightenment, becoming the Buddha, or the "Awakened One."
The Teachings of Buddhism
Buddhism is founded on The Four Noble Truths, which are the basis of its philosophy:
Dukkha (Suffering Exists): Life is suffering, pain, aging, and loss.
Samudaya (Cause of Suffering): Suffering is caused by desire and attachment.
Nirodha (End of Suffering): Freedom from suffering is achievable by releasing desires.
Magga (The Path to End Suffering): Adhering to the Eightfold Path will bring enlightenment.
The Eightfold Path consists of:
Right View (Understanding the truth)
Right Intention (Working towards self-betterment)
Right Speech (Speaking truth and amiably)
Right Action (Living ethically)
Right Livelihood (Honest means of earning livelihood)
Right Effort (Working towards constructive thoughts)
Right Mindfulness (Being mindful of the present)
Right Concentration (Meditation)
The Spread of Buddhism
Buddhism traveled beyond India along the lines of missionary work and trade. Buddhist philosophy was disseminated throughout Asia by Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya empire by dispatching monks to Sri Lanka, China, and elsewhere. Gradually, Buddhism divided into several schools:
Theravāda Buddhism: Is centered around monastic existence and strict conformity with Buddha's philosophy.
Mahayāna Buddhism: Believes in benevolence and the Bodhisattvas (enlightened souls who guide others).
Vajrayāna Buddhism: An esoteric variety of Buddhism found in Tibet and Mongolia.
Buddhism in the Contemporary World
Modern Buddhism still reaches millions of people through meditation, mindfulness, and moral living. Its message on inner peace and detachment resonates strongly in an age of consumerism and pressure. With a spreading presence on the planet, Buddhism provides spiritual wisdom across religions, leading mankind toward harmony and enlightenment.
Buddha's path from prince to awakened master is a classic inspiration, demonstrating that true satisfaction is not in riches or power but in comprehending the nature of life.
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