Buddha Purnima 2024: unveiling the untold stories of Gautam Buddha

Buddha Purnima, celebrated on May 23, 2024, marks the birth, enlightenment, and death anniversary of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. As millions around the world observe this significant day, we delve into the life of Gautam Buddha and uncover some lesser-known facts about him.

The Life of Gautam Buddha:
Gautam Buddha, originally named Siddhartha Gautama, was born around 563 BCE in Lumbini, in present-day Nepal. He was born into a royal family and lived a sheltered life of luxury. However, Siddhartha was deeply moved by the suffering he saw outside his palace walls. At the age of 29, he renounced his royal privileges to seek the truth about human suffering.

After years of rigorous ascetic practices and meditation, Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, at the age of 35. He then became known as the Buddha, meaning "the awakened one." For the next 45 years, Buddha traveled across the Indian subcontinent, sharing his teachings and establishing the foundations of Buddhism. He passed away at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, India, leaving behind a rich legacy of spiritual wisdom.

Lesser-Known Facts About Gautam Buddha:

1. The Four Sights: The pivotal moment in Siddhartha's life came when he witnessed four sights—a sick person, an old person, a dead person, and a wandering ascetic. These experiences deeply influenced his decision to renounce worldly pleasures and seek enlightenment.

2. Predicted Enlightenment: At Siddhartha's birth, a wise sage named Asita predicted that he would either become a great king or a supreme spiritual leader. His father, hoping for the former, tried to shield him from suffering.

3. A Peaceful Resolution: Buddha once resolved a potential war between two clans over the waters of the Rohini River. By reminding them that human lives were far more valuable than water, he averted the conflict.

4. The Middle Way: Buddha's path to enlightenment rejected both extreme self-indulgence and severe asceticism. He advocated for the Middle Way, a balanced approach to spiritual practice.

5. Influence on Kings: Buddha had many royal followers, including King Bimbisara of Magadha and King Prasenajit of Kosala. His teachings significantly impacted their reigns and the spread of Buddhism.