The story of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, is a rich and inspiring tale that recounts his journey from a prince to an enlightened spiritual teacher whose teachings form the foundation of Buddhism. Here’s a concise version of his life:
1. Birth and Early Life
Siddhartha Gautama was born around 563 BCE in Lumbini (modern-day Nepal) to King Suddhodana and Queen Maya. According to legend, his birth was accompanied by miraculous events, and it was foretold that he would either become a great king or a spiritual leader. To ensure he chose the former, his father shielded him from the harsh realities of life, surrounding him with luxury and pleasure in the palace.
2. The Four Sights
Despite his secluded life, Siddhartha ventured outside the palace as a young man. On these excursions, he encountered:
- An old man (aging),
- A sick person (illness),
- A corpse (death), and
- A wandering ascetic (renunciation and spiritual seeking).
These encounters, known as the “Four Sights,” deeply troubled Siddhartha. He realized the impermanence of life and the inevitability of suffering.
3. The Great Renunciation
At the age of 29, Siddhartha left his palace, wife, and infant son, renouncing his royal life to seek the truth about suffering. This event is called the “Great Renunciation.” He became a wandering ascetic, seeking wisdom from various spiritual teachers and practicing extreme self-discipline.
4. The Middle Way
After years of severe austerities, Siddhartha realized that extreme asceticism was not the path to enlightenment. He adopted a balanced approach, later known as the “Middle Way,” between indulgence and self-mortification.
5. Enlightenment
At the age of 35, Siddhartha meditated under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, vowing not to rise until he attained enlightenment. After days of deep meditation, he overcame the temptations of Mara (the demon of illusion) and achieved enlightenment. He became the Buddha, meaning “The Awakened One.”
6. Teaching the Dharma
The Buddha spent the next 45 years traveling and teaching the Dharma (truth) to people from all walks of life. His first sermon at Sarnath, known as the “Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta,” introduced the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which outline the causes of suffering and the way to liberation.
7. Final Years and Parinirvana
The Buddha continued teaching until his 80th year when he passed away in Kushinagar. His death, known as “Parinirvana,” marked the end of his physical existence but not his teachings, which continue to guide millions worldwide.
Core Teachings
The Buddha’s teachings focus on:
- The Four Noble Truths: Suffering exists, has a cause, can be ended, and has a path leading to its cessation.
- The Eightfold Path: Right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
The story of the Buddha is a timeless reminder of the potential for transformation and enlightenment within each of us.
This thangka is painted entirely by hand on cotton canvas using natural mineral and vegetable pigments with 24K gold details. The complicated designs, intricate brushstrokes, and extraordinary detail make these thangkas authentic works of Buddhist art. A true masterpiece, this traditional Buddhist painting is the perfect addition to your home, meditation space, room shrine or altar space.
Life story of Buddha Thangka Painting size
Size
Full canvas measures approximately 68*54 cm. The inside painted area measures about 60*45 cm.
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