The life of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, is marked by several key events. Here is a chronological order of major events in his life:
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Birth: Siddhartha Gautama was born around 563 BCE in Lumbini, present-day Nepal. His mother was Queen Maya.
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The Prophecy: After his birth, a sage prophesied that Siddhartha would either become a great king (Chakravartin) or a great spiritual leader (Buddha). His father, King Suddhodana, wanted him to become a king, so he sheltered him from suffering and the reality of the outside world.
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The Four Sights: At the age of 29, Siddhartha ventured outside the palace and encountered four sights: an old man, a sick person, a dead body, and an ascetic. These experiences led him to realize the nature of suffering.
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Renunciation: Moved by the Four Sights, Siddhartha renounced his royal life, leaving his wife, Yasodhara, and his newborn son, Rahula, to seek enlightenment.
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Ascetic Life: Siddhartha practiced extreme asceticism for six years, attempting to control his body and mind through severe fasting and austerities.
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The Middle Way: Eventually, he realized that extreme asceticism was not the path to enlightenment. He adopted a more moderate approach, known as the Middle Way.
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Meditation under the Bodhi Tree: Siddhartha meditated under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya for 49 days, determined to achieve enlightenment.
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Enlightenment: At the age of 35, he attained enlightenment (Buddhahood) and became the Buddha, which means "the Awakened One."
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First Sermon: After his enlightenment, the Buddha delivered his first sermon at Deer Park in Sarnath, where he taught the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
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Formation of the Sangha: The Buddha established a community of monks (Sangha) who followed his teachings.
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Teaching for 45 years: The Buddha traveled and taught throughout northern India for about 45 years, sharing his insights and attracting followers.
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Death (Parinirvana): The Buddha passed away at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, attaining Parinirvana or final nirvana.
These key events outline the trajectory of the Buddha’s life, from his privileged beginnings to his enlightenment and teachings.