Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti is celebrated by devotees of Gautama Buddha worldwide today. The ancient sage, founder of Buddhism Gautama Buddha had found the secrets of life by discovering the harsh realities of life. Here are the few less unknown facts of Gautama Buddha.
1. He Was Born As Wealthy Prince And Named His Son Rahula
Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism real name is siddhartha Gautama who was born as a prince of the Shakya Clan in Nepal. He was married to Yasodhara and even had a son named Rahula. The name “Buddha” is given by his disciples which means the enlightened one. His birthday is celebrated as “Buddha poornima”.
2. The Astrologer Predictions Became True
When he was born, an astrologer predicted that Gautama will either be a great holy man or will become a great king. Knowing this, his father did not let him have the religious teachings and built three palaces for him with all the luxuries of life so that he does not have any desire to see the outside world. He was not allowed to step out of the palace.
3. The Four Sights That Changed Him
No one can stop from becoming great if destined. Gautama became tired of his materialistic life and at the age of 29; he went to four different places. While on his ride to see the countryside, he saw four different things which changed Gautama’s life completely.
He saw an old man, a corpse, a sick man and at last he saw a wandering ascetic. He was so disturbed at these sites and could not enjoy his life in the palace. After his trip, nothing made him happy, not even the news of his son’s birth.
He realized that beauty around him will perish one day and nothing is permanent. He gave up all the comfort, left his loved ones and went in search for the enlightenment.
4. His Rigorous Practice Of Self-Discipline Gave Him Enlightenment.
As soon as he left the palace, Gautama couldn’t find a teacher who could teach about the truth of the world. So, he decided to search for all the answers by himself. He led a life of self discipline for almost 6 years and learned yoga and meditation practices.
But he realized that extreme asceticism is not the right path for enlightenment. Finally, he sat under a “pipal” tree to meditate and vowed that he won’t get up from the place until he finds the ultimate truth he is looking for. He finally achieved “Enlightenment” after medicating for 49 days. That tree is called Bodhi tree now.
5. He Taught His Ideas And Teachings After Achieving Enlightenment.
At first, he thought that one can’t attain the reality if one is not disciplined and does not have a pure mind. But his compassion swayed over him and decided to teach the people about the doctrines of enlightenment. Buddha taught people that to become the enlightened one, a person should never be ignorant, angry and hate people.
6. The Buddhist Monastic Community Formed
Buddha visited his son, father, his devoted wife and his foster mother, cousin Ananda during his journey throughout the world to spread his teachings. His family joined the Sangha, which is the Buddhist monastic community. His son, Rahula who was just 7 years old at that time also became a monk.
7. His Words Of Compassion And Kindness Are Still Followed By People
Till the age of 80, he preached throughout the world. Before his death, he told his followers that happiness is in learning and also encouraged them to work for their deliverance.
Here are the some of his teachings:
1. “Three things cannot be hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth.”
2. "You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger.”
3. "You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."
4. "We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”
5. “Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”
6. “Physical charms attract the eyes, goodness attracts the mind.”
7. "When you like a flower, you just pluck it. But when you love a flower, you water it daily.”
If his teachings are followed by each individual, this world will be so beautiful and will be a better place to live in. what do you say? Share us in the comments. By the way, how are you celebrating Buddha Jayanti?