Buddhism: Life of Gautam Buddha

The Founder of Buddhism

• Gautam Buddha, also known as Mahatma Buddha, was the founder of Buddhism

Key Events in Buddha's Life

• Buddha was born in the Lumbini forest in the Kosala Mahajanapada.
• He left home at the age of 29, embarking on a spiritual journey.
• He attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya.
• Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath.

The Fourth Buddhist Council

• The Fourth Buddhist Council was held during the reign of Kanishka of the Kushan dynasty.
• Ashwaghosh was the vice president.
• The council resulted in the division of Buddhism into two sects: Hinayana and Mahayana.

Key Figures

• Mayadevi was Buddha's mother.
• Prajapati Gautami was Buddha's stepmother.
• Shuddhodhan was Buddha's father.
• Rahul was Buddha's so.
• Kallika and Tapasu were Buddha's first followers.

Buddhism: Key Concepts and Terms

• Triratna: Refers to the three jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Dhamma (teachings), and Sangha (community).
• Mahabhinishkramana: This refers to the event of Buddha's renunciation of home and his departure on a spiritual quest.
• Santhagaar: This term in Buddhist literature signifies a council formed for governing the state.
• Kohak: This term refers to stone carvers during the Buddha's time.

The Third Buddhist Council

• The Third Buddhist Council was held in Pataliputra in 251 BC.
• Moggaliputta Tissa chaired the council.
• The council was held under the reign of Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty.

Varanasi in Buddha's Time

• Varanasi was famous for ivory during Buddha's period.

Important Dates

• 563 BC: Gautam Buddha was born.

Gautama Buddha

• Born in Lumbini forest, located in the Kosala Mahajanapada, in 563 BC
• His father was Shuddhodhan, and his mother was Mayadevi
• Gautama Buddha's childhood name was Siddhartha
• His step-mother was Prajapati Gautami
• At the age of 29, he left home and began his spiritual journey
• He attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya
• His first two followers were Kallika and Tapasu
• His son's name was Rahul

Buddhism

• The core of Buddhism is based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, also known as the "Light of Asia"
• The central tenets of Buddhism are represented by the Triratna: Buddha, Dhamma (teaching), and Sangha (community)
• The first sermon was delivered at Sarnath
• The incident of Buddha leaving his home is called the Mahabhinishkramana
• The last sermon focused on the impermanence of all things and emphasized self-reliance

Buddhist Councils

• The Fourth Buddhist Council was held during the reign of Kanishka of the Kushan dynasty
• The Third Buddhist Council was organized in Pataliputra in 251 BC, under the chairmanship of Moggaliputta Tissa, during the reign of Emperor Ashoka
• This council led to the division of Buddhism into two sects: Hinayana and Mahayana
• The Vice President of the Fourth Buddhist Council was Ashwaghosh

Miscellaneous

• Varanasi was known for its ivory during Buddha's time
• Stone carvers were called Kohak
• The term Santhagaar refers to a council formed for administering the state