Biography Of Buddha
Biography Of Buddha
The religion known as Buddhism originated about the beginning of the 6th century B.C., in the north of Hindustan.
According to the Buddhist books, the founder of the religion was a prince of the name of Siddartha. He is often called Sakya, which was the name of the family, and Gautama, the name of his clan. The name Sakya, often becomes Sakya-muni, in allusion to the solitary habits assumed by the prince. Buddha, or more properly the Buddha, is the title given to him in his state of perfection, and means the Enlightened One, or "he to whom truth is known." The history of this person is overlaid with a mass of extravagant and incredible legend. The story may be thus briefly outlined. The Prince Siddartha gives early indications of a contemplative disposition, and his father fearing lest he should desert his high station and take to a religious life, has him early married to a charming princess, and surrounded with all the splendors of a luxurious court.
Twelve years spent in this environment only deepen the conviction that all that life can offer is vanity and vexation of spirit. He is constantly brooding over the thought that old age, withered and joyless, is fast approaching; that loathsome or racking sickness may at any moment seize him, that death will at all events soon cut off all source of present enjoyment, and usher in a new cycle of unknown trials and sufferings. He therefore resolves to try whether a life of austerity will lead to peace, and, although his father seeks to detain him by setting guards on every outlet of the palace, he escapes, and begins the life of a religious mendicant, being now about thirty years old. He cuts off his long locks that were a sign of his high caste; he studies all that the Brahmans can teach him, but finds their doctrine unsatisfactory. Six years of rigorous asceticism are equally vain; and then he undergoes a fierce temptation from the demon of wickedness. But no discouragement...
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