Gautam Buddha, also known as Shakyamuni, was one of the greatest spiritual masters of India. Dedicated to spreading the teachings of knowledge and compassion, his life was a journey of self-realization and self-knowledge.
Gautama Buddha: Life and Teachings
Birth and Early Life:
Despite being a prince, “Siddharth Gautam” was born under the open sky, in the lap of mother nature, under a tree.
But he had no interest in material pleasures. He wanted to know the deepest secrets of life.
One night, Siddharth came out of the palace and saw the world. He saw suffering, pain and death.
He was deeply saddened by this scene and resolved to find solutions to these problems.
He studied the Vedas, Upanishads and received lessons from Teachers to gain knowledge.
However, he could not find the answer to the basic question of life, “What is the cause of suffering and how can one get rid of it?”.
This curiosity began to bother him even more.
The Quest for Enlightenment:
Finally, he decided to sacrifice his palace, his family, everything in search of truth.
After leaving home, Siddharth Gautam wandered in search of knowledge.
He met many ascetics and monks, practiced harsh austerities, and studied various philosophies.
However, he still could not find the ultimate truth he was seeking for.
In the northeast of India, there was a small village named “Gaya,” renowned not for life but for the culture of death, as a city of Pind Daan (a ritual offering to ancestors).
One day, Siddharth Gautam arrived in Gaya. He sat under a Bodhi tree, determined to attain enlightenment.
For days and nights, he meditated, unwavering in his resolve.
The Enlightenment:
Finally, on a full moon night of Vaishakh, he attained enlightenment and became The “Buddha”. That place is known as Bodh Gaya thereafter.
After his enlightenment, the Buddha traveled from Varanasi to Sarnath. In Sarnath, he delivered his first sermon, sharing his profound insights with the world.
The Buddha and Ananda
One day, at the age of 60, the Buddha decided to choose an attendant. He offered the opportunity to all his monks.
All the monks eagerly stood up to become the attendant, but one person did not stand up. His name was Ananda.
The Buddha asked Ananda if he wanted to be the attendant. Ananda said that he could be the Buddha’s devotee, but he had some conditions.
The first condition was that if any monk invited Ananda for a meal and Ananda accepted, the Buddha would also accept that invitation.
The second condition was that the Buddha would not give Ananda food from his own meal.
The third condition was that the Buddha would not take Ananda to places where he was invited for meals.
The fourth condition was that the Buddha would not give Ananda the best food.
The fifth condition was that Ananda would wear the clothes he received after begging for alms.
The Buddha accepted all of Ananda’s conditions with a smile.
This story shows the unique relationship between the Buddha and Ananda. Ananda was a devoted devotee of the Buddha and had no desire for material pleasures.
Ananda’s conditions ensured that no one would be jealous and think that he had done this work to live with the Buddha.
In simpler terms:
The Buddha chose Ananda as his attendant, but Ananda had some conditions to ensure that their relationship was based on devotion and not material gain.
The Buddha’s life journey
The Buddha’s life journey spanned the middle and lower Ganges region, extending to Mithila and Nepal. He traveled extensively, sharing his wisdom and teachings with all who encountered him. Except during the Chaturmas (four-month rainy season) when he would observe the Rains Retreat (Varshavaas), the Buddha was constantly on the move.
One Rains Retreat in the village of Veluva, located on the outskirts of Vaishali, marked the beginning of the Buddha’s final journey. Revitalized and resolute, the Buddha embarked on the next leg, reaching Chaitya shrine.
Aware that his passing would be a profound loss for the world, especially his disciples, the Buddha took this opportunity to prepare them for his imminent departure.
He gathered his disciples and delivered his final sermon, imparting the profound wisdom that had guided his life and teachings. He instructed them on the path to liberation from suffering, the path leading to Nirvana.
His words resonated with profound knowledge and compassion. He elucidated key concepts of the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the ultimate state of liberation, Nirvana.
The Declaration of Mahaparinirvana:
Buddha’s Decision to Attain Parinibbana
The Buddha, realizing his impending departure, summoned his beloved disciple, Ananda, and spoke, “Ananda, if you request me to remain on this earth, I shall stay here as long as this earth endures.”
Ananda was taken aback, unable to comprehend the meaning behind the Buddha’s words. The Buddha repeated his statement twice more, yet Ananda remained silent.
Undeterred, the Buddha declared, “If I attain Mahaparinirvana now, it would be an injustice to my disciples. It is my duty to impart my final teachings and blessings to them before I depart.”
His parting words echoed, “All things are impermanent. Do not cling to them.”
The Buddha announced that he would accept Mahaparinirvana within three months. This news spread rapidly through Vaishali. People feared they would never see the Buddha again. The entire city followed behind him on this final journey.
Traveling with such a large crowd proved impossible. The Buddha urged the people to return, but they were deeply saddened by his impending Mahaparinirvana and refused to leave. As a token of remembrance, the Buddha offered them his alms bowl, the earthen vessel that had accompanied him for the past 45 years.
The Final Journey Continues:
The Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana was set, to occur within the next three months. Returning was no longer an option. The Buddha bid farewell to his disciples and departed from Vaishali. Within a few weeks, he reached Pava, and from there, he proceeded to Bhantgaon, Hatthigaon, Bhoganagar, and Bhangam. And there, in a mango grove, he settled. Pava was the second capital of Malla.
Chunda, the Devout Merchant and his Invitation to the Buddha
Chunda, a renowned merchant and devout follower, resided in the mango groves of Amravatti. When news reached him of Lord Buddha’s impending arrival, he was filled with immense joy and eagerly sought an audience with the Enlightened One.
With utmost reverence, Chunda extended an invitation to Lord Buddha for a meal the following day. Lord Buddha graciously accepted his invitation, filling Chunda’s heart with immense gratitude.
The Grand Feast
The next day, Lord Buddha arrived at Chunda’s residence for the meal. Chunda had prepared a lavish feast in honor of his esteemed guest. The table was adorned with an array of delectable dishes, each representing the finest culinary creations of the region.
Lord Buddha partook of the various offerings, savoring the flavors and appreciating the hospitality bestowed upon him. However, he consumed only a modest portion of the food. As he dined, a profound realization dawned upon him: this very meal would mark the commencement of his Mahaparinirvana, the ultimate liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
The Buddha’s Last Meal and the Significance of Chunda’s Offering
Summoning Chunda, the merchant who had offered him the final meal before his Mahaparinirvana, the Buddha spoke with a gentle voice, “Chunda, you have become even more dear to me.”
Chunda, overwhelmed with humility and devotion, inquired, “Lord Buddha, what can I do for you?”
The Buddha replied, “In my life, two meals have held immense significance. The first was offered to me by Sujata, which played a pivotal role in my attainment of enlightenment. And the second is yours, which is aiding me in my journey towards Mahaparinirvana.”
These profound words from the Buddha illuminated the deep connection between Chunda’s offering and the Buddha’s impending liberation. Just as Sujata’s meal had nourished the Buddha’s body and mind during his quest for enlightenment, Chunda’s meal was now serving as a catalyst for his transition into Mahaparinirvana.
The Buddha’s Final Moments and Attainment of Mahaparinirvana
The Buddha’s Request for Rest
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the landscape, Lord Buddha and his companions reached Kushinagar, their final destination. The Buddha, weary from his journey, instructed his disciples to find a suitable resting place for the night.
The Announcement of Mahaparinirvana
Under the tranquil embrace of the night sky, Lord Buddha summoned his beloved disciple, Ananda, and entrusted him with a solemn task: “Inform the rulers of Kushinagar that the Buddha is about to enter Mahaparinirvana.”
Ananda’s heart sank as he carried out the Buddha’s command. The news spread like wildfire, disrupting the slumber of the city and stirring a wave of apprehension and grief among the populace.
The Gathering of Devotees
As the first rays of dawn pierced the darkness, a multitude of people, drawn by the impending momentous occasion, converged upon the grove of Sala trees where Lord Buddha was resting. With hushed voices and heavy hearts, they awaited the unfolding of fate.
The Buddha’s Serene Repose
In the quietude of the grove, amidst the watchful eyes of his devoted followers, Lord Buddha lay serenely between two Sala trees. His body, bathed in an ethereal glow, exuded an aura of peace and tranquility.
A gentle smile graced his lips, reflecting the profound wisdom and compassion that had defined his life. His head rested upon his right arm, a posture reminiscent of a weary lion taking solace in repose. This was the Mahaparinirvana Mudra, an iconic pose that would forever be etched in the annals of Buddhist history.
The Final Breath
As the sun reached its zenith, casting its golden rays upon the gathering, Lord Buddha breathed his last, gently succumbing to Mahaparinirvana. The air hung heavy with the weight of his passing, yet an undercurrent of serenity prevailed, a testament to the profound impact of his life and teachings.
Awaiting Mahakasyapa and the Buddha’s Final Moments
The Buddha’s Awaiting
As the Buddha’s life neared its end, he expressed his desire to await the arrival of his esteemed disciple, Mahakasyapa, before entering Mahaparinirvana. Mahakasyapa, however, was not present in Kushinagar at the time.
The Earthquake and the Blooming Flowers
Just as the Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, a sudden tremor shook the earth, followed by an eerie silence. As the stillness settled, a miraculous sight unfolded before the eyes of the assembled devotees.
Flowers of exquisite beauty erupted from the Sala trees, their vibrant colors enveloping the Buddha’s earthly form. This extraordinary display of nature served as a poignant tribute to the departed Enlightened One, a final farewell from the very earth that had borne witness to his extraordinary life.
Public Viewing and Final Respects
With a heavy heart, the Buddha’s disciples decided to honor his final wish by placing his body on public display for seven days. News of the Buddha’s passing spread like wildfire, drawing countless mourners from far and wide to Kushinagar, eager to pay their last respects to the revered teacher.
The city of Kushinagar, situated within the Mallas’ territory, had long been a bastion of Buddhist support and devotion. The Mallas, deeply affected by the Buddha’s demise, joined the throngs of pilgrims in honoring his memory.
Preparations for the Final Rites
Following the seven-day viewing period, the Buddha’s disciples meticulously prepared his body for the final rites. A sandalwood pyre was constructed, its fragrant wood ready to receive the vessel that had once housed the Enlightened One’s spirit.
The Arrival of Mahakasyapa and the Buddha’s Final Rites
News of Mahakasyapa’s Arrival
As the Buddha lay in his final moments, news reached his disciples that Mahakasyapa, one of his most revered followers, was en route to Kushinagar with a retinue of 500 monks. The Buddha expressed his desire to await Mahakasyapa’s arrival before entering Mahaparinirvana.
Awaiting the Final Offering
The Buddha also expressed a wish for a final offering, a symbolic gesture that would mark the culmination of his earthly journey. He instructed his disciples to wait for Mahakasyapa’s arrival before proceeding with this final rite.
The Arrival of Mahakasyapa and His Disciples
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Mahakasyapa and his 500 monks emerged from the horizon, their hearts heavy with grief and anticipation. They had traveled far and wide, guided by the profound reverence they held for their beloved teacher.
The Final Rites
With unwavering devotion, Mahakasyapa and his fellow monks assumed the solemn task of preparing the Buddha’s body for the final rites. They carefully placed the Buddha’s earthly form upon the sandalwood pyre, their hands trembling with both sadness and respect.
The Miraculous Flame
As Mahakasyapa prepared to ignite the pyre, an extraordinary event unfolded. The pyre burst into flames, seemingly of its own accord, even before Mahakasyapa had touched the torch. This miraculous occurrence served as a testament to the Buddha’s extraordinary power and the profound impact he had on the world.
The Quenching Rain
Just as the flames engulfed the pyre, a sudden downpour erupted, sending torrents of rain upon the gathering. The rain, as if guided by an unseen hand, extinguished the flames, leaving the Buddha’s body untouched.
The Relics of the Buddha
From the ashes of the pyre emerged precious relics, including four of the Buddha’s teeth, two bones from his shoulder, and a collection of crystals. These relics, imbued with the Buddha’s spiritual essence, were carefully preserved and venerated by generations of Buddhists.
The Buddha’s Humility and Open-Mindedness
The Buddha’s teachings stand out as a testament to his humility and open-mindedness. He never sought to elevate himself above others or claim divine authority. Instead, he encouraged individuals to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery, to question and explore without fear of judgment.
The Essence of the Buddha’s Teachings
The Buddha’s profound teachings, distilled over a lifetime of contemplation and enlightenment, are encapsulated in three fundamental pillars:
Sila (Moral Conduct): The foundation of ethical behavior, encompassing principles of non-harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, and moderation.
Samadhi (Concentration): The cultivation of mental focus and tranquility, enabling individuals to transcend distractions and delve into the depths of their own consciousness.
Panna (Wisdom): The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, characterized by a clear understanding of the true nature of reality, leading to liberation from suffering and the attainment of Nirvana.
The Enduring Appeal of Buddhism
It is these fundamental principles, coupled with the Buddha’s emphasis on personal experience and critical thinking, that have made Buddhism a beacon of wisdom and compassion for over two millennia.
A Path of Self-Discovery
Buddhism does not dictate a rigid set of beliefs or dogmas; rather, it offers a framework for self-discovery and personal transformation. It invites individuals to explore their own minds and hearts, to challenge their assumptions, and to cultivate the qualities of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom.
