Buddhism
Introduction
Buddhism is a religion and dharma that encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on teachings attributed to the Buddha. Buddhism originated in Ancient India sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, from where it spread through much of Asia, whereafter it declined in India during the Middle Ages. Two major extant branches of Buddhism are generally recognized by scholars: Theravada (Pali: The School of the Elders) and Mahayana (Sanskrit: The Great Vehicle). Buddhism is the world's fourth-largest religion, with over 520 million followers or over 7% of the global population, known as Buddhists.
Founder of Buddhism :
Gautam Buddha was the founder of Budhhism, he was born in 563 BC as Prince Siddhartha on the Vaishakha Poornima day at Lumbini (near Kapilvastu) in Nepal.
Prince Siddhartha :
His father Suddhodana was as a ruler of Saka dynasty, and his mother Mahamaya was of Kosala dynasty.
His mother died only after 7 days of his birth. He was brought up by his stepmother Gautami.
Marriage and Son :
He got married at the age of 16 to Yashodhara. He had a son named Rahula.
Mahabhinishkramana :
At the age of 29 Gautam Buddha left palace in search of truth, event was known as ‘Mahabhinishkramana’.
Nirvana :
He wandered for 6 years in the search of truth and finally attained ‘Nirvana’ or ‘Enlightenment’ at Gaya in Magadh (Bihar) under the Pipal tree.
Horse n Charioteer :
Buddha’s favorite horse was Kanthaka and charioteer was Channa.
Teachers of Buddha :
For the first time Buddha meditated with Alara Kalama, his next teacher was Udraka Ramputra.
Ascetics :
Buddha joined five ascetics namely Kondna, Vappa, Bhadiya, Mhanama, and Assagi.
First Sermon (Buddhism) :
Mahatma Buddha delivered the first sermon at Sarnath, his first sermon is called “Dharmachakrapravartan” or “Turning the Wheel of Law”.
Mahaparinirvana :
Mahatma Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar in 483 BC at the age of 80 in the Malla republic.
Tripitakas (Buddhism) :
Buddhist Literature is mainly written in Pali Language. Buddhist scriptures in Pali are commonly referred to as Tripitakas, i.e. ‘Threefold Basket’.
Vinaya, Sutta and Abhidhamma :
Vinaya Pitaka is the rules of discipline in Buddhist monasteries. Sutta Pitaka is largest, and it contains collection of Buddha’s sermons. Abhidhamma Pitaka explains the philosophical principles of the Buddhism.
Mahavansh and Deepvansh :
Mahavansh and Deepvansh are other Buddhist texts; these provide information about then Sri Lanka.
Dhamma and Sangha :
Buddha’s teaching are called Dhamma and the Order of Buddhist monk and nuns is known as Sangha.
