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Introduction to Buddhism

Buddhism is sometimes seen as more of a philosophical system than a religion, because it does not have core beliefs about a creator god or gods. Additionally, it is different from the other world faiths in that its founder, Siddhartha Gautama, did not have a mystical vision, nor a revelation from a higher being. Instead, he based his teachings on conclusions he drew after a very long period of deep thought, reflection and experience.

Background – the ancestry of Siddhartha Gautama

It is generally accepted that Buddhism started with Siddhartha Gautama, an extraordinary and noble person, who came to be known as the Buddha. Siddhartha was born approximately 2,500 years ago in Nepal. He was born into a life of luxury as a prince. His father was King Suddhodana Tharu and his mother was Queen Maya. He grew up in India, which at the time was dominated by the Brahmanic religions. He had many Hindu beliefs, including the idea of samsara which was deeply embedded in Hindu teachings.

The importance of his birth

According to legends, Queen Maya had a dream in which she learned she would give birth to a child who would be holy. He was given the name Siddhartha because it means ‘perfect fulfilment’. After Siddhartha was born, a prophecy foretold that he would be a great ruler or a holy man. The king wanted him to be a great ruler so he shielded his son from seeing any pain or suffering. Siddhartha lived a life of luxury in a palace. He made sure his son had everything in the palace, so he wouldn’t want to leave.

His marriage

Siddhartha grew up to become a caring and kind person. When he was 16 years old he married his cousin, Yasodhara. As he grew up, he wondered about the world around him and wanted to see what was outside the palace. With his chariot driver, Channa, he left the palace on a trip to the city and saw what have become known as The Four Sights.