1.4.12

The Buddha

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Before Enlightenment

The founder of Buddhism is usually referred to as the Buddha. Buddha is a title meaning ‘the enlightened one’. The Buddha was called Siddhartha Gautama, and he lived in India from 563 BCE until 480 BCE.

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Early life

  • We don't know a lot about the early life of the Buddha.
    • We do know that he was born into a rich family near modern-day Nepal.
  • It is believed that Siddhartha’s father was a clan leader.
  • There is a story that a holy man said that one day Siddhartha would be a great leader, such as a king or spiritual leader.
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Life in the palace

  • To protect him, his father raised the Buddha inside a palace.
  • Siddhartha had a comfortable and luxurious childhood.
  • He got married and had a son, and continued living in the palace until he was around 30 years old.
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Leaving the palace

  • Around the age of 30, Siddhartha left the palace because he found his wealthy lifestyle unsatisfying.
  • He decided to travel outside the palace to see different walks of life.

Jump to other topics

1Year 7

1.1Origins of Abrahamic Faith

1.2Judaism

1.3Christianity

1.4Buddhism

2Year 8

3Year 9

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