Xem Trang Tiếng Việt

Life of the Buddha

Born in the 6th century B.C.E. in northern India to a royal family, prince Siddhartha Gautama, at the age of twenty nine, left his life of power and luxury to discover freedom from humanity's endless suffering. Leaving behind his wife and child, he shaved his head and became an ascetic wanderer for six years, studying under the best spiritual teachers of the times. Finally, he resolved to attain Enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and thus became the Buddha, the Awakened One.

For the next forty-five years, he taught his spiritual path to all regardless of race, caste, class or gender. On his eightieth birthday, he passed away peacefully into Parinirvana. His last words were, "... be a lamp unto yourselves, look for no other refuge. Let the truth be your map and your refuge ... work out your own salvation with diligence."

The Buddha never claimed to be an incarnation or messenger of a god. He said that he was a human being who attained Enlightenment through his own efforts. This offers us great hope. Because he was human, anyone can develop his or her awareness and transform themselves into a Buddha. His life and death are an example for all.