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| Aukana Buddha Statue |
Siddharta Gotama, the man who was eventually to become the Buddha, was born heir-apparent to the Sakyan royal family during the sixth century BC at Lumbini in Southern Nepal. Right from his birth, the young prince was surrounded by wealth and great privilege. He was destined to become king of one of the most important royal families in the region. Yet as he grew older and more mature, he began to question many aspects of the princely life. Finally, he became so totally disillusioned with the ostentatious wealth and power of the Sakyas that he felt compelled to abandon his royal heritage and become an ascetic. For six years, Siddharta wandered the Ganges Plain, meeting many of the most famous religious teachers of the day and subjecting himself to the ascetic religious practices demanded by these teachers. Gradually these practices caused him to become physically very weak and he began to realise that the answer to his searches lay not in the extreme asceticism of others but in his own experience. One day, whilst in deep meditation beneath a tree (which became known as the Bodhi or Bo tree), he attained a state of enlightenment that enabled him to comprehend the true nature of life. This unique achievement eventually led him to be called the Buddha, which literally means ‘The Awakened One’.
- A jug fills drop by drop.
- Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
- However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?
- It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.
