How Gautam buddha founded buddhism?

 Gautama Buddha, born Siddhartha Gautama in the 5th century BCE, is the founder of Buddhism, a religion that has profoundly influenced the spiritual and cultural landscape of Asia and beyond. Siddhartha's journey from a sheltered prince to an enlightened teacher is a story of deep introspection, profound realizations, and compassionate teaching. This article delves into the key events and teachings that led to the establishment of Buddhism.

Early Life of Siddhartha Gautama

Siddhartha Gautama was born into the royal family of the Shakya clan in Lumbini, which is in present-day Nepal. His father, King Suddhodana, and his mother, Queen Maya, were delighted by the birth of their son. According to legend, a sage named Asita predicted that Siddhartha would either become a great king or a spiritual leader. Wishing for his son to be a powerful ruler, King Suddhodana shielded Siddhartha from the harsh realities of life, surrounding him with luxury and pleasure.

The Four Sights

Despite his father's efforts to keep him insulated from suffering, Siddhartha encountered what are known as the Four Sights during trips outside the palace: an old man, a sick person, a dead body, and an ascetic. These sights revealed to him the pervasive nature of suffering and the transient nature of worldly pleasures. Deeply moved, Siddhartha decided to leave his princely life in search of a solution to the suffering he had witnessed.

The Great Renunciation

At the age of 29, Siddhartha renounced his royal life, leaving behind his wife, Yasodhara, and their newborn son, Rahula. He adopted the life of a wandering ascetic, seeking wisdom through extreme ascetic practices and learning from various spiritual teachers. Despite his rigorous efforts, including prolonged fasting and self-mortification, he did not find the answers he sought.

Enlightenment Under the Bodhi Tree

Realizing that extreme asceticism was not the path to enlightenment, Siddhartha chose a Middle Way between indulgence and self-denial. He sat in deep meditation under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, vowing not to rise until he attained enlightenment. After 49 days of meditation, at the age of 35, Siddhartha achieved profound insight into the nature of existence, becoming the Buddha, or "The Enlightened One."

The First Sermon

Following his enlightenment, Buddha sought out his former companions to share his newfound understanding. In the Deer Park at Sarnath, he delivered his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dharma). Here, he outlined the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, which form the core of Buddhist teachings:

1. The Four Noble Truths:

   • The truth of suffering (Dukkha)
   • The truth of the origin of suffering (Samudaya)
   • The truth of the cessation of suffering (Nirodha)
   • The truth of the path to the cessation of suffering (Magga)

2. The Noble Eightfold Path:

   • Right Understanding
   • Right Intent
   • Right Speech
   • Right Action
   • Right Livelihood
   • Right Effort
   • Right Mindfulness
   • Right Concentration

Formation of the Sangha

Buddha's teachings attracted many followers, and he established the Sangha, a community of monks and nuns dedicated to practicing and spreading his teachings. The Sangha played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the Buddha's teachings through oral tradition, later written down in the Pali Canon.

Spreading of Buddhism

Buddha spent the next 45 years traveling across the Gangetic plain, teaching diverse audiences from kings to commoners. His pragmatic approach, emphasizing personal experience and ethical living, resonated with many. After Buddha's death (Parinirvana) around 483 BCE, his disciples continued to spread his teachings, leading to the growth of various schools of Buddhism and its spread across Asia.

Conclusion

Gautama Buddha's founding of Buddhism was not just the establishment of a religion but a profound transformation in spiritual thought. By addressing the fundamental issues of human suffering and providing a path to overcome it, Buddha's teachings have endured for over two millennia, continuing to inspire and guide millions around the world. His life and enlightenment journey exemplify the quest for wisdom, compassion, and inner peace, marking a significant milestone in the spiritual history of humanity.