BUDDHISM

PRERNA FOR IAS

BUDDHISM

1. Buddhism – General Introduction

Buddhism is one of the world's major religions, founded by Gautama Buddha in the 6th century BCE in India. It emerged as a reform movement against ritualism and emphasized moral living, wisdom, and meditation. Buddhism teaches that suffering is caused by desire and attachment, and liberation can be achieved by following the Noble Eightfold Path. The religion rejects caste discrimination and promotes equality, compassion, non-violence, and self-discipline. Its teachings spread from India to Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Tibet, and Southeast Asia. Buddhism greatly influenced Indian philosophy, art, architecture, literature, and culture, leaving a lasting global spiritual legacy.

2. Gautama Buddha – Life and Early Years

Gautama Buddha, originally named Siddhartha Gautama, was born around 563 BCE at Lumbini (present-day Nepal) into the Shakya clan. His father was King Suddhodana, and his mother was Queen Maya Devi. He was raised by his aunt Mahaprajapati Gautami after his mother's death. Siddhartha married Yashodhara, and they had a son named Rahula. Despite living a luxurious life, he was deeply disturbed by human suffering after seeing old age, sickness, death, and an ascetic. These experiences inspired him to renounce worldly pleasures in search of the truth about life and suffering.

3. The Four Sights and the Great Renunciation

The turning point in Siddhartha's life came after witnessing the Four Sights: an old man, a sick person, a dead body, and a wandering monk. These sights revealed the realities of human life and the possibility of spiritual liberation. At the age of 29, Siddhartha left his palace, wife, and son in an event known as the Great Renunciation (Mahabhinishkramana). He abandoned his royal life to seek the cause of suffering and the path to permanent peace. This act symbolized his complete dedication to spiritual knowledge and became one of the defining events in Buddhist history.

4. Search for Enlightenment