Buddhism- Life of the Buddha Flashcards
Who was the Buddha?
A man named Siddhartha Gautama who lived around 563 BC.
Where are stories about the Buddha found?
In the Jataka Tales.
Why is the Buddha special?
He discovered and taught the path to enlightenment.
What are the six stages of the Buddha’s life?
The Buddha’s Birth
Life of Luxury
The Four Sights
The Ascetic Life
Meditation
Enlightenment
What happened before Siddhartha’s birth?
A prophecy was made - he would become a holy man and give up his wealth.
What was special about the birth of Siddhartha?
He could walk and talk.
What was Siddhartha shielded from? Did it make him happy?
Pain and suffering. No
What do Buddhists learn from the life of luxury?
Wealth and luxury does not provide happiness.
What were the four sights?
- Old man
- Dead man
- Sick man
- Holy man
What do Buddhist’s learn from the four sights?
The truth about getting old, sick and eventually dying. The holy man was at peace despite knowing all this.
Siddhartha came across 5 ascetics, what are ascetics?
They try to achieve peace and spirituality through strict physical and mental discipline, giving up all luxury.
What did Siddhartha do in his ascetic life?
He gave up luxury, starved himself, cut his hair and changed his clothes.
Did this end his suffering?
No.
What did the Buddha do after his ascetic life?
He vowed to meditate until he could end suffering.
Where did the Buddha meditate and how long for?
He meditated under a tree for 49 days.
