1. The Life and times of Buddha
Siddhartha Gautama
The Life and times of Buddha

2. Introduction Buddha was born Siddhartha Gautama
Born around 563 BCE (Before Jesus)
Born in the Kingdom of Shakya which is now in Nepal
His father was a King, named Shuddhodana
Born into a family of Hindus

3. The Early life of buddha
Buddha’s birth was “miraculous” as he descended from heaven and entered his mother’s womb in the form of a white elephant ~ a symbol of purity
His mother died a week after giving birth and he was raised by his aunt
After he was born, legend has it he took 7 steps and said “this is my last birth”
A wise man suggested he may become an important figure or leader

5. Life of buddha
His father wanted him to take over his rule and become a King.. he was not happy that he may become a religious figure
He lived a quiet and pleasant life until he was 29 and witnessed the FOUR SIGHTS 1) Old man 2) Sick man 3) Corpse ) Ascetic Hindu monk
What does Ascetic mean???

8. Continued… Siddhartha become a wanderer seeking spiritual knowledge
He learned to: 1) Meditate 2) Find the “Middle Way”
He found the middle way between luxury and asceticism, finding that life needs balance in order to be happy

10. Finding the great enlightenment
Siddhartha Gautama sat in meditation for 49 days in a spiritual struggle against the evil god, Mara
He was successful and achieved the Great Enlightenment, and was henceforth known as the Buddha
He stayed in this state for 7 days (or weeks)
Rather than choosing to enter Nirvana, he decided to stay on earth to share his insights

11. Buddha’s death: Parinirvana
When the Buddha was 80 years old, he was in poor health
Rather than have a replacement, he insisted the that dharma be people’s guide when he’s gone

12. Buddha’s Life
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