Buddhism originated in India in the 6th century BC. and became one of the most influential religions on the planet. Gautama Buddha - the prince of the Shakya peoples left the luxurious palace and went in search of the truth. After becoming enlightened, he preached a new way of living and thinking.
The Buddha's parents were predicted that the son could become a great ruler, or he would renounce the throne and become a spiritual mentor. The father protected the child from the outside world and hoped to raise a worthy warrior. The prince's youth was full of delights, and he had no idea that people sometimes get sick, and death is inevitable. Only at 29 did Gautama learn that a person can suffer. Buddha left his family and went to wander like a beggar monk in search of truth.
Golden mean
Buddha tried to understand the meaning of human suffering and comprehend the secret of life. He met with sages, and soon he himself had followers. Gautama gave up worldly needs and became a real ascetic: he tortured himself with hunger, cold and heat. Once he brought himself to complete exhaustion - he lost consciousness and was miraculously saved.
The Buddha understood the main truth - it is necessary to avoid extremes. The prince realized that the truth is not about receiving pleasure and not completely giving up on them. He realized that there must be some "middle way" that leads to joy and peace.
The Buddha began to eat normally, and his followers disowned him for apostasy from their former views. The teacher had to endure the departure of comrades-in-arms and students and continue on an independent path to the realization of being.
Individual search for truth
Buddha wandered for six years before enlightenment came to him. Once he sat down under the oldest tree and decided that he would not budge until he knew the laws of life. During the nights of meditation and reflection, 4 sacred truths were revealed to Gautama, and he shared his knowledge with the world for 44 years.
The basic teaching of the Buddha is that everyone can become enlightened. To do this, you need to find your "righteous path." Each person should go his own way and independently seek the meaning of life. Buddhism only gives followers a direction to make the search easier.
Buddhist truths say that suffering is inevitable. Some of them are the result of exaggerated demands, bad habits and unseemly actions. To avoid unnecessary suffering, it is necessary to give up excessive desires, lead a correct lifestyle and not harm others.
According to Buddhism, a person after death is reborn in a new body and experiences life experiences countless times. According to the law of karma, he receives the punishment for his sins in future lives. Righteous people are given a happier life and the opportunity to become enlightened.
