Buddhism
Published on Nov 19, 2015
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Prince Siddhartha was given birth by King Suddhodana and Queen Maya in 563 B.C.E. Before the prince had been born, Queen Maya had dreamed of being carried into the Himalayas and being placed on a silver couch. Then a white elephant with six tusks had stroked her right side. She had been very curious about her confusing reverie and asked the Hindu Brahmins about the meaning of her dream. These religious people had explained to her that her future son had two different pathways that would represent how he lived his entire life: One lifestyle had involved great royalty and unimaginable power, while the other would bring him attained enlightenment. After Siddhartha had been born, he was developed more maturely and physically than most newborn babies. Being able to walk and talk, he had stated, " I am the leader of the world and the guide to the world."
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During the process of Prince Siddhartha becoming a young adult, his father had become quite worried pertaining to the Brahmin's eerie predictions. To prevent one pathway occurring instead of the other, the King had ordered many servants to fulfill every wish Siddhartha had granted for his satisfaction and amusement. Wealth and riches had come upon him in very extended amounts. Although he had been in happiness and enjoyment, he had severely pondered over what life was like outside of the grand palaces and what unfortunate events and problems had constantly been struggled by the unwealthy and poor. Was there any such thing as "bad", or "suffering"?
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As Prince Siddhartha advanced in life and soon became a great father, his dad had given him allowable permission to travel outside of the palace to distant lands.As he adventured through the kingdom, he had notice many things.On the first day of his exploration, he took notice of an aging man, and the chariot driver explained that everyone's body weakens throughout their lives.On the second day of his discovery, he watched a man crying out in merciful pain as he lied on the ground.The driver had told Siddhartha that the poor man was sick and had a bad disease.Lastly, on the third trip, the Prince saw a person covered in white cloth along with a few other people walking in sorrow.The chauffeur described it as death and it will happen to him someday, too.On the fourth day, he met and talked to an ascetic, a person who gives up worldly pleasures for the rest of their time on Earth.
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Once Siddhartha had a deep connection of cruel reality, he had told his chariot driver to leave him at the forest so he may attempt to become an ascetic. Cutting off his hair with a knife and leaving only a bowl for alms, or goods given to the poor, he sat down in complete silence and severely fasted; some people say he gave up basic ways of living so harshly that he could touch his backbone by pressing on his stomach! He also was barefoot a never wore shoes as he wanted to have a broader feel with all of nature. He had even become an expert at spiritual meditation as he was taught by other fellow ascetics. Eventually, he had decided to quit being an ascetic as in his opinion this was not the correct way to obtain enlightenment.
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After figuring out that sacrificing bodily regularities did not help you receive enlightenment, Siddhartha had chosen to not be royal nor an ascetic, but he wanted to be in a spot "in the middle", as he thought that this would be perfection for attaining his desired "awakening". On his 35th birthday (during a full moon), he bathed himself in a river and comfortably seated himself under what Buddhists call the Bodhi, or enlightenment, Tree. He was determined to earn what he wanted, and amazingly succeeded during the morning. During his meditation, an evil God by the name of Mara sent his three daughters who represented delight, discontent, and desire. Unfortunately for him, Siddhartha had withstand all three fears and became the Buddha, or awakened one.
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THE END
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