Gautam Buddha: The Story of the Awakened One
Early Life of Siddhartha Gautama
More than 2,500 years ago, in a place called Lumbini (in present-day Nepal), a child was born into a royal family. His name was Siddhartha Gautama. His father was a king, so Siddhartha lived a very comfortable life inside the palace. He had everything — food, clothes, fun, and even a beautiful garden to play in.
But even though Siddhartha had all the luxuries, his father was very protective. He didn’t want Siddhartha to see anything sad or painful. So, the king kept him away from old age, sickness, and death. He wanted his son to grow up without any worries, hoping Siddhartha would become a great king.
The Four Sights That Changed Everything
When Siddhartha grew up, he became curious about the world outside the palace. One day, at 29, he convinced his charioteer to take him for a ride through the city. What he saw during these trips changed his life forever. These are known as the Four Sights:
- An old man — He saw someone bent with age, and for the first time, realised that everyone grows old.
- A sick person — He saw someone suffering from a disease and understood that people fall ill.
- A dead body — He saw a funeral and discovered the harsh truth that everyone eventually dies.
- A monk (ascetic) — He saw someone who had given up everything but looked peaceful and calm.
These experiences shocked him. For the first time, he realised that suffering is a natural part of life, no matter how rich or powerful someone is.
The Great Renunciation
Siddhartha couldn’t forget what he had seen. He began to feel that living in a palace and enjoying luxuries didn’t bring real happiness. He wanted to find the truth about life, suffering, and how to end it.
So one night, quietly, he left the palace, his wife, and his newborn son. He gave up everything and started a spiritual journey. This moment is known as the Great Renunciation.
His Spiritual Journey
For the next six years, Siddhartha travelled, met wise teachers, and tried different ways to gain enlightenment (true understanding). He even practised extreme fasting and meditation, hoping that suffering would lead him to the truth. But he became very weak and realised that hurting the body doesn’t help the mind.
That’s when he understood the importance of the Middle Path — not too much comfort, not too much pain. Just the right balance.
Enlightenment Under the Bodhi Tree
At the age of 35, Siddhartha sat under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya (India) and began to meditate deeply. He promised himself not to get up until he found the answer to life’s suffering.
After days of meditation, he finally found what he was looking for. He experienced awakening or enlightenment. From that day on, he was no longer Siddhartha — he became the Buddha, which means “The Enlightened One” or “One Who is Awake.”
What Did Buddha Discover?
Buddha discovered that all human beings suffer. But he also realised why they suffer and how they can be free from suffering.
This became the core of his teachings, and he spent the rest of his life sharing this wisdom with others, not as a god, but as a teacher and guide.
Buddha’s Teachings: Simple and Powerful
- The Four Noble Truths
These are the first and most important teachings of the Buddha:
- Life has suffering – Pain, sadness, and stress are part of everyone’s life.
- Suffering comes from desire – We suffer because we want things: more money, love, success, or control.
- Suffering can end – If we stop being so attached to things, we can live peacefully.
- There’s a path to end suffering – The Eightfold Path.
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The Eightfold Path — A Guide to a Peaceful Life
This path is like a set of life principles that help us live mindfully, peacefully, and wisely:
| Step | What does it mean in simple words |
| Right View | Understand the truth of life |
| Right Intention | Have good thoughts and a kind heart |
| Right Speech | Speak honestly and kindly |
| Right Action | Do what is right; avoid harm |
| Right Livelihood | Earn a living in an honest, ethical way |
| Right Effort | Try your best to improve and grow |
| Right Mindfulness | Stay aware of your thoughts and actions |
| Right Concentration | Meditate and focus your mind clearly |
This path is not about being perfect — it’s about progress, not perfection.
Teachings of Buddha That Still Matter Today
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Let Go of Attachment
We often cling to people, things, or outcomes. But change is a part of life. Buddha teaches us to enjoy things without becoming attached.
“The root of suffering is attachment.”
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Practice Mindfulness
In today’s busy world, our minds are often distracted. Buddha reminds us to live in the present, whether we’re eating, walking, or just sitting.
Try this: Next time you eat, really taste your food. Notice the colours, smells, and textures.
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Be Kind
Small acts of kindness — a smile, a helping hand — matter more than we realise. Buddha always taught compassion.
“Hatred does not cease by hatred, but by love.”
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Control Your Thoughts
Our minds are powerful. Buddha said we become what we think. So, filling our minds with positive, calm thoughts is key to peace.
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Accept Change
Nothing lasts forever. Joy and sorrow come and go. When we accept this, we stop getting shaken by every up and down in life.
“Everything changes. Nothing stays the same.”
Buddha’s Impact on the World
Buddha spent the rest of his life travelling, teaching, and guiding people. He had many followers, but he never asked anyone to worship him. He simply said:
“Don’t believe anything just because I said it. Test it in your own life. If it works, then follow it.”
His teachings spread across Asia — to Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Japan, and Tibet, and now to the entire world. Today, millions follow Buddhism, and many more are inspired by its wisdom, even without being Buddhists.
Final Days
At the age of 80, Buddha passed away in Kushinagar, India. His final words were:
“All things are passing. Strive diligently.”
He taught that even he was not eternal. What matters most is that each person follows the path of truth, compassion, and inner peace.