The term Buddhism refers to the teachings
of Buddha. Buddha is the highest level of enlightenment. Those who have
attained this level are also called Buddha. So, Buddha is a person who has
grasped the truth of the universe, and thus has attained absolute happiness. In
this world the only person that has achieved this enlightenment is Siddharta
Gautama, also known as Sakyamuni Buddha. He became Buddha when he was 35 years
old and taught what is known as Buddhism for the next 45 years. Everything that
Sakyamuni Buddha taught was compiled and organized into sutras by his
disciples. There are more than seven thousand sutras.
Siddharta Gautama was born in India on April 8th. He was the only son of
King Jobon and Queen Maya who lived in Kapila Castle. Queen Maya was unable
to bear a child. It is said that one night, she had a dream that a white
elephant entered her womb. Soon after this episode, she became pregnant.
Probably, this tale came about because white elephants were believed to
be animals of luck in ancient India. When the due date was close, Queen Maya set out for her parents' home, the Kuri Castle for the
delivery. While her entourage was crossing the Lumbini garden which was
in full bloom, Queen Maya suddenly felt labor pains. With great difficulty,
she gave birth to a magnificent boy under a Muyuju tree. Having already
delivered, Queen Maya returned to Kapila Castle. Due to complications from
delivery, Queen Maya passed away one week later, so Siddharta was raised
by his aunt, Lady Makamaya.
Although sad about losing his wife, King
Jobon was very happy to have an heir. He called a famous fortuneteller named
Ashida to tell the prince's future. At first glance, the fortuneteller shed
tears. Furious, the king asked why he was crying on such a great occasion.
Ashida replied: "This is not an ordinary child. After growing up he will
become either a king or follow the path of enlightenment. As a king, he will
establish peace in the world; as an ascetic, he will achieve the highest level
of enlightenment and minister to mankind the path to attain true happiness.
According to my vision, it is more likely that he will follow the path to
become Buddha. Unfortunately, I'm too old. By that time, I'll be gone and won't
be able to listen to his teachings. Thinking of my misfortune, I couldn't help
but cry." The king was very satisfied with the fortuneteller's explanation,
and decided that he would raise his son
to become an outstanding king.
When Siddharta Gautama was 7 years old, King Jobon hired the two wisest
men in India, Baddarani, and Sendaidaiba, to teach him the skills of martial
arts and culture. While he was young, Prince Siddharta participated in
calligraphy, mathematics, archery, fencing, horse racing and sumo tournaments.
Everybody was astonished with Prince Siddharta's success in every event.
Thus both masters went to the king and asked permission to quit their jobs;
they had nothing more to teach the little prince.
One day, when Prince Siddharta was attending a feast, he happened to see
a bird pecking at an insect. He learned the law of the jungle, and got
very depressed. His introspective nature led him to sit down under a tree
in a meditative position for a long time. King Jobon became very preoccupied
with his son's behavior. The fortuneteller's words came back to him and
he wondered if the prince wanted to become an ascetic. In order to dispel
such a notion, the king thought that the prince needed a beautiful bride
to add spice in his mundane life. The most beautiful princess in India
was chosen, and when Prince Siddharta was 19 years old, he married Princess
Yashodara. At that time, it was very common in India for a man to have
more than one spouse. Siddharta Gautama had three wives and a child by
each of them. His wives were Princesses Yashodara, Gui and Rokuya, and
his children were Rahula, Zensei and Ubaya.
Although King Jobon tried to cheer him up
and make him forget about becoming an ascetic, Siddharta Gautama became more
and more concerned about worldly suffering. This was in part due to the complex
relationship among his wives and children. He had to cope with jealousy, anger
and vindictiveness among his wives, each of whom wanted the prince's attention.
Prince Siddharta yearned more and more to find the path to enlightenment.