Who is Gautama Buddha - Inspirer of Buddhism
Ranked #1,623 in Culture & Society, #38,194 overall
Buddhist inspiration
Buddhism is the one world religion that everyone seems to respect. Many more people would like to call themselves Buddhists than actually are Buddhists by traditional counts.
Buddha found the source of sorrow, what sorrow is and the way out of sorrow (or suffering).
He has inspired millions around the world and in the West his teachings symbolize religion without belief.
Three reasons to love Gautama Buddha
Why was Gautama Buddha Imporant?
- He loved truth and sought it all his life
- He taught the truth he found for the rest of his life, out of love for humanity
- His truth came in a form that did not require belief, but reason and meditation
Who was Gautama Buddha?
The Buddha: his life story - religious facts
Stripped of these metaphysical or magical aspects, a sketch of his life runs thusly:Prins Siddharta was born in Lumbini (in modern day Nepal), to the kshatriya caste of warrior-aristocrats. (The Indian caste system was also probably somewhat more informal at this time than it later became). He was the heir to the position of "prince" ("village chieftain" may be more accurate) of the Shakya clan's village of Kapilavatthu or Kapilvastu in the foothills of the Himalayas in what is now Nepal.
Siddharta maried and had a son: Rahula, but at age 29, having become increasingly dissatisfied with the contrast between a life of aristocratic luxury and the suffering he observed endemic in all people, Siddharta abandoned his inheritance and palace and began living an ascetic life, training with ascetic philosophers, and practicing austere meditative practices.
After six years he found that the severe practices did not lead to greater understanding, abandoned them and concentrated on meditation and the "middle way" (a practise of non-extremism), and soon afterwards claimed he had realized complete awakening or enlightenment into the nature and cause of human suffering and the steps necessary to eliminate it. This enlightenment is called a state of "Bodhi," and hence the name "Buddha," or "enlightened one."
The Buddha emphasized that he was not a god nor the messenger of a god and that Enlightenment was not the result of a supernatural process or agency, but rather the result of a close attention to the nature of the human mind which could be rediscovered by anyone for themselves.
Buddha spent the time after that teaching and traveling.
Source
Dating the Buddha has become quite the sport amongst Buddhologists. A majority apparently agrees that his birth should be dated around 400B.C.
Stories about the life of Siddharta Gautama Buddha
Buddhist religious beliefs
- Birth of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
- Gautama Buddha: his conception and birth at Lumbini, India.
- How Buddha came to leave his luxurious life
- Gautama Buddha: his conception and birth at Lumbini, India.
- Siddharta practices austerities, before reaching enlightenment
- Gautama Buddha: His trials before enlightenment
- Kisa Gotami and the Mustard Seed - Buddha's world
- Gautama Buddha: his birth, youth and enlightenment.
- Gautama Buddha walking on water
- Jesus and Buddha are both said to have walked on water, they share a miracle!
- Blind men and the elephant - Buddhism, life of Buddha
- Gautama Buddha: his birth, youth and enlightenment.
- A buddhist story on Inattention - Buddha's world
- There was a lecture given to five men, when the Buddha wasstaying at Jeta Grove. It is said that these men, who wanted to hear the Law, went to the Residence
- A tale of Buddha and Compassion - Buddhist story
- a murderer called Angulimala or "Thumb Necklace."
- The Flower Sermon - Zen Buddhist Sutra
- Toward the end of hislife, the Buddha took his disciples to a quiet pond for instruction. Asthey had done so many times before, the Buddha’s followers sat in asmall circle around him, and waited for the teaching.Butthis time the Buddha had no words. He reached into the muck a
Dharmapada quotes - from the Buddha
Better than a thousand useless words
is one useful word,
hearing which one attains peace.
We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.
Do not speak harshly to any one; those who are spoken to will answer thee in the same way. Angry speech is painful: blows for blows will touch thee.
Hatred does not cease in this world by hating, but by not hating; this is an eternal truth.
When a man dwells on the objects of sense, he creates an attraction for them; attraction develops into desire, and desire breeds anger.
"He who holds back rising anger like a rolling chariot, him I call a real driver; other people are but holding the reins"
Teachings of the Buddha
Religious views in buddhism
1. Suffering exists
2. Suffering arises from attachment to desires
3. Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases
4. Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold Path

Noble Eightfold Path
Three Qualities (the eight aspects of the path can be grouped into three qualities as follows)
- Wisdom (panna)
- Right View
- Right Thought
- Right Speech
- Right Action
- Right Livelihood
- Right Effort
- Right Mindfulness
- Right Contemplation or concentration or meditation
Morality (sila)
Meditation (samadhi)
More Buddhism teachings - that is: more lists
Great Gautama Buddha Books
Pali canon - what the Buddha said
The oldest known Buddhist texts
1. Vinaya Pitaka, dealing with rules for monks and nuns
2. Sutta Pitaka, discourses, mostly ascribed to the Buddha, but some to disciples
3. Abhidhamma Pitaka, variously described as philosophy, psychology, metaphysics etc.
Together these three are called the Tipitaka.
According to scholars the Pali Canon is a mixture of material going back to the Buddha and material by his disciples. The earliest versions we know historical facts about date to the fifth century C.E.
Previous lives of the Buddha - Jataka Tales
- The turtle who saved lives, jataka-tale - Buddha's world
- The bodhisattva-turtle, a previous life of Gautama Buddha
- The Jatakas, Vessantara the giving king - Buddhism quotes and stories
- The last life before he reincarnated as prins Siddharta, the future buddha was a king who gave away even his wife.
Buddhism Gifts, Calendars and Books
Buddhist religious inspiration
Buddhism DVD's
Buddha links
- History of Buddha and Buddhism - Buddha's World
- Historical material on Buddhism. Includes a time-line and extensive information on Ashoka. With information and mythology on the life of Buddha, and his previous lives (jataka-tales)
- The Buddhist Path
- The spiritual path in Buddhism: All Buddhism aims to be a path that leads to enlightenment (Nirvana) . Stressed are issues like insight and calmness of the mind.
- Meditation and the Relativity of Thought in Buddhism
- Articles on Buddhist meditation, and the limitations of thought-processes.
- Buddha Quotes on Karma, Theravada Buddhist | quotes and sayings
- These quotes are the closest we can get to the Buddha: they’re from the Tipitaka, the ancient Pali Buddhist scriptures. I’ve replaced the Pali ‘kamma’
- Buddhism | All Considering
- Considering life, spiritual growth and more ponderings Best Buddhist Blogs I've done a list of best spiritual blogs several times. Now that I'm a Buddhist
- Buddhism | My Spiritual Quotes
- Short uplifting quotes and inspirational sayings buddhism Lama Yeshe quotes on Happiness – When the chocolate runs out We love chocolate. Perhaps so much so that on some level we may believe, "As long as I have chocolate, I
- Pema Chodron Books, Quotes and information
- Pema Chodron Books, Calendars, Quotes and Tibetan Buddhism information on Pema Chodron
- Buddhism | Best spiritual books
- Reviewing the best and most fascinating spiritual books Book reviews Buddhism Best books about BuddhismThese are my personal reviews of some of the best books about Buddhism you’ll find.
- Contemporary Buddhism today
- Ponderings on the Buddhist path, modern Buddhism, controversy and so on Universal Buddhist Refuge Prayer In the Gelugpa Tradition of Tibe
What do you think of Gautama Buddha?
Your favorite Buddhism links
Add your own favorite Buddhism links.
Buddha's world - Buddhism
Quotes and articles on essential aspects of Buddhi more...1 point
What is Theravada Buddhism?
On Access to insight0 points
Buddhism | All Considering
0 points
Pema Chodron Books, Quotes and information
Pema Chodron Books, Calendars, Quotes and Tibetan more...0 points
Buddhism | Great Spiritual Books
Great Spiritual Books - Reviewing the best and mos more...0 points
Green Tara
Green Tara is a figure revered by many in differen more...0 points
Buddhist T-Shirts
Buddhism is a religion or philosophy based upon th more...0 points
Your opinions on this Buddha lens...
-
Reply
-
Ultimatch.biz
Oct 25, 2011 @ 12:15 pm | delete
- Great lens! Lesson of some spiritual nature. Buddha" meaning "awakened one" or "the enlightened one". Thanks for this lens it inspire a lot of people. Good job!
-
-
Reply
-
DaveWalters
Jun 12, 2009 @ 10:00 pm | delete
- The Buddha's teachings have inspired me for many years, thanks for the tribute to him!
-
-
Reply
-
WendyArt
Apr 9, 2009 @ 8:23 pm | delete
- What a wonderful lens!! I love the videos, and the many links provide a feast of great information. Thanks.
-
-
Reply
-
Apr 8, 2009 @ 9:21 am | delete
- Buddhism has always been an inspiration to me. Great lens! :)
-
-
Reply
-
Zut_Moon
Mar 25, 2009 @ 9:40 am | delete
- I need to learn more about Buddha and his teachings and I thank you for this lens. I think I am a natural follower of Buddha having lived the life I have lived.
-
- Load More
More Buddhism on this site

Best most popular Buddhism Books
These books explain Buddhism for a modern Western audience. They generally focus on the practical aspects of Buddhism: how to live your life well and meditation. When...

Mandala Meditation Posters
An art form developed in India and Tibet, mandalas have come to be seen as symbols of inner peace and balance. These mandala posters are sometimes based on traditional...
Best Dalai Lama Books List
The Dalai Lama is that unique mix of a spiritual teacher and a political leader. Unlike the Pope he is virtually uncontested as a spiritual inspiration. His...

Best Buddhism Birthday Presents and Christmas Gifts
Looking for a top gift for your Buddhist friends and family? You don't have to look any further. I've found you artwork, calendars and books that will...

Best books on Buddhism
If you are into a specific type of Buddhism - don't think you already know what 'Buddhism' is. Buddhism comes in a variety of forms and they disagree on issues...
Best Mindfulness Meditation Books
Because modern life is so very busy, so full of sensory impressions from the internet, tv, music, traffic etc. many people need to be reminded of something most...

Buddhism: practice, religious views and beliefs
Buddhism is one of the most inspiring world philosophies. On this lens you will find information on the Buddhist path, various Buddhist traditions like Zen and...
Best Dalai Lama Quotes Posters
I've found you Dalai Lama Posters featuring him and an inspiring quote, as well as simply great picture of him that you can get framed. The Dalai Lama is probably...

Best Zen Buddhism Books
Zen Buddhism is perhaps one of the least understood forms of Buddhism, precisely because it's so well known. On the other hand - perhaps it's the type...

Best Thich Nhat Hanh Mindfulness Books
Anybody interested in Buddhism today knows about Zen Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. His lectures, books and videos are wildly popular because he manages...

Best Books about karma and reincarnation
Learn about karma and reincarnation from the perspective of Buddhism, Theosophy and Hinduism. But also based on the science of past life memories of children...

Tibetan Buddhist Jewelry for women and men
The colors and shapes of Tibetan Buddhism are unique. This has a lot to do with the letters: spiky forms derived from devanagari (the letters most used to ...

How to make a mandala
Mandala's are an inspiring spiritual art form. You can get your kids involved with spiritual art in all kinds of ways - from simply coloring preprinted ...
Buddha Figures, busts and Buddhist statues
Buddha figures are everywhere. Buddha heads have become a fashion statement. Buddha statues, really just the next way to show off your spiritual inclination....
The 14th Dalai Lama: Tibetan leader in exile
Nobel Peace Prize Winner, popularizer of Buddhism and head of the Tibetan Government in Exile. The Dalai Lama's life is a unique convergence of religion, politics...

What is an Ashram? Spiritual Retreat Centres!
What is an ashram? Why go on a spiritual retreat? This lens explains the way of life on an ashram and has links to ashrams and pictures of ashrams. An ashram...

Aum, the sacred Indian mantra ; Om, Ohm - meditating unity
Who doesn't know the Indian mantra 'aum' - and use it when they want to make fun of new age spirituality? Aum is actually a sacred mantra for all Indian religions...

Thich Nhat Hanh quotes: Peace and Zen Buddhism
Monk and Vietnamese peace activist turned Zen Meditation teacher. Thich Nhat Hanh is an Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk. He is a teacher, author, and peace activist,...

Best Pema Chodron Buddhism Books
Buddhism is becoming more popular every day. Pema Chodron's books have a lot to do with that: they offer practical advice on how to deal with the troubles a...

Zen Decorations for Christmas
Zen originates from Chinese Chan, which in turn comes from the Sanskrit word Dhyan (meditation or meditative state). Our lives and the Universe, if we look...
People tweeting about Buddha today
-
- greenmtncollege
- If the Buddha Came to Dinner: How to Nourish Your Body to Awaken Your Spirit...interesting book on how to be healthier based on eating!
-
- tattedshawty757
- You will not be punished for your anger. You will be punished by your anger. #Buddha
-
- rickleon25
- Guatama Buddha - Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time. Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law.
-
- LifesLullabys
- Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. - Buddha
-
- jarrarA
- RT @ZenProverbs: "Doubt is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills." ~ Buddha #quotes
-
- Felicity71
- @andyverhaeg @buddha__71 het was heerlijk. En jouw pizza?
-
- Omg_ItzTash
- Im in vegas “@iamTRandell @Omg_ItzTash you coming out to Buddha tonight?”
-
- YesIamProud
- #MonaRandomHeart #Quotes #Livehappily Do not dwell in the past,do not dream of the future,concentrate the mind on the present moment.Buddha
-
- Chunkmasterflex
- RT @ZenProverbs: "Doubt is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills." ~ Buddha #quotes
-
- cwalker690
- @ginger_buddha @tophersinister @topherchrisyu I'm the same way with the podcasts! Always thinking that I could add some different spin.
by spirituality
I'm a webmaster and student of religion and spirituality. See my website on religion and spirituality: www.katinkahesselink.net or my spiritual blog: All... more »
Explore related pages
- Pema Chodron Calendars and Planners 2012 Pema Chodron Calendars and Planners 2012
- Best Dalai Lama DVDs, CD and Blueray Disks Best Dalai Lama DVDs, CD and Blueray Disks
- The 14th Dalai Lama: Tibetan leader in exile The 14th Dalai Lama: Tibetan leader in exile
- 2012 Buddhist Calendars, date books and Buddha pocket planners 2012 Buddhist Calendars, date books and Buddha pocket planners
- 2012 Zen Calendars, Planners, Date Books and Organisers 2012 Zen Calendars, Planners, Date Books and Organisers
- Thich Nhat Hanh Calendars and Planners 2011, 2012 Thich Nhat Hanh Calendars and Planners 2011, 2012












