Buddhism: Life of Gautam Buddha

Study Notes

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

Description

Test your knowledge about the founder of Buddhism, Gautam Buddha. This quiz covers key events in his life, significant figures, and important concepts within Buddhism, including the Fourth Buddhist Council's impact. Explore how Buddha's journey shaped the religion's foundation.