Gautama Buddha

The birth name of Buddha was Siddhartha Gautama. He was born in Lumbini, which is now part of Nepal, in the 6th century BCE. Siddhartha Gautama is also commonly known as Gautama Buddha or simply Buddha, which means "enlightened one" or "awakened one."

Early Life
Siddhartha Gautama was born into a royal family. His father, King Suddhodana, was the ruler of the Shakya clan. His mother, Queen Maya, passed away just seven days after Siddhartha's birth, and he was raised by his aunt, Prajapati Gautami. As a prince, Siddhartha lived a luxurious life within the palace walls, shielded from the realities of the outside world.

The Four Sights
At the age of 29, Siddhartha ventured out of the palace for the first time and came across four sights that profoundly impacted him:
1. Old Age: He encountered an elderly person, which made him realize the inevitability of aging and the impermanence of life.
2. Sickness: Siddhartha witnessed the suffering caused by illness, making him aware of the physical limitations of the human body.
3. Death: He encountered a funeral procession, leading him to ponder upon the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death.
4. Ascetic: Siddhartha saw an ascetic monk, who had renounced worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual liberation. Inspired by the monk's peaceful demeanor, Siddhartha decided to seek the path of enlightenment.

The Great Renunciation
Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to find the meaning of life, Siddhartha left the palace secretly, leaving behind his wife and son. He shaved his head, donned the robes of an ascetic, and set out on a spiritual quest.

Enlightenment
After years of practicing various forms of meditation and asceticism, Siddhartha realized that extreme deprivation and self-mortification were not the paths to enlightenment. He then adopted a middle path, known as the "Middle Way," which advocated moderation in all aspects of life.

Under the Bodhi Tree
Siddhartha Gautama sat under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, vowing not to rise until he had attained enlightenment. After a period of intense meditation, he finally achieved enlightenment at the age of 35. From that moment on, Siddhartha Gautama was known as Gautama Buddha.

Teachings and Legacy
Buddha spent the remainder of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism, emphasizing the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. His teachings focused on ending suffering and attaining enlightenment through mindfulness, meditation, and ethical living. Buddha's teachings spread throughout India and eventually reached many parts of the world, making him one of the most influential spiritual leaders in history.

Conclusion
The birth name of Buddha was Siddhartha Gautama, and he later became known as Gautama Buddha after attaining enlightenment. His life and teachings continue to inspire millions of people worldwide, offering guidance on the path to inner peace and enlightenment.

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