Writer:
Prof (Dr) Arvind Kumar Singh, Visiting Professor, Dr Ambedkar Chair for Buddhist Studies (ICCR), Lumbini Buddhist University, Lumbini
The life of Gautama Buddha is a profound journey of extraordinary insight, enveloped in the simplicity of a deeply human quest. It guides us through self-realization, compassion, and liberation. Each episode, each teaching of his life not only provides insight into the nature of existence but also offers a path to transcend human suffering. This article presents a contextual commentary on the pivotal moments of Buddha’s life and teachings, as described in major Buddhist scriptures, particularly the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta and the Ariyapariyesana Sutta.
Lumbini / Kapilavastu the place where he was birn and spent his early days till the agae of 29 years: Siddhartha Gautama’s Realization of Suffering and the End of Suffering:
While living a life of luxury in Kapilavastu, Siddhartha was shielded from all forms of human suffering. However, upon witnessing four sights, an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and an ascetic, his perception changed dramatically. These encounters shook him to the core, awakening in him the understanding of life’s inherent suffering.
Buddhism is founded upon the realization of suffering (dukkha). In the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, the Buddha proclaimed that life is suffering, its cause is craving (tanha), and it can be overcome by following the Eightfold Path, called the “Middle Path.” This realization compelled Siddhartha to embark on the path of enlightenment.
Kapilavastu to Magadha: Siddhartha left his royal life on the night his son Rahula was born, a great renunciation known as Mahabhinishkramana. It wasn’t just a departure from comfort but a spiritual beginning toward truth and liberation. He crossed the Anoma River, renounced his royal attire, and moved toward Magadha, then a hub of intellectual and spiritual debates. It was here that he began his rigorous spiritual practice under several teachers.
Siddhartha studied under teachers like Alara Kalama and Uddaka Ramaputta, mastering their meditative practices. Though he attained deep states of absorption (jhana), he realized these were temporary and did not lead to ultimate liberation. In the Ariyapariyesana Sutta, the Buddha describes these as “ignoble searches,” incapable of ending suffering. Thus, he renounced these paths and resolved to seek truth through his own insight, marking a turning point where spiritual realization shifted from external guidance to inner exploration.
Sujata’s Milk-Rice Offering: A Sign Toward the Middle Path: After six years of extreme austerity, Siddhartha’s body became frail. At this juncture, Sujata, a village girl, offered him milk-rice. This simple act became symbolic of a new understanding, that truth could not be realized through self-mortification alone. This led him to adopt the Middle Way, balancing asceticism and indulgence. This philosophy became the cornerstone of all Buddhist practice.
Atta Dipo Bhava: The Buddha taught: “Atta Dipo Bhava or Be a lamp unto yourself.” This is a call to personal responsibility in spiritual development. One cannot rely entirely on others for enlightenment; the journey must be undertaken through self-inquiry and disciplined effort. This emphasis on self-reliance forms the soul of Buddhist thought. The Buddha did not blindly follow tradition or scriptures but explored truth through experience, contemplation, and mindfulness.
Attaining Enlightenment at Bodhgaya: Meditating beneath the Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya, Siddhartha finally attained enlightenment and became the “Buddha”, the Awakened One. This realization was not gifted by any deity nor achieved through miracle, it was the fruit of perseverance, contemplation, and inner discipline. Buddhism thus asserts that Buddhahood is not divine, but attainable through sincere effort.
Walking on his own path:
The Buddha never claimed to grant liberation to others. Instead, he emphasized that each person must walk their own path through right action, meditation, and wisdom. He was a pathfinder, not a redeemer. This concept lends Buddhism a scientific and practical character, freedom comes from within.
The Buddha declares: “You yourself must strive; the Buddhas only point the way.” He inspired and instructed but left the journey to be undertaken by the individual. This is why Buddhist practice places supreme importance on personal effort. The Teachings of Sila, Samadhi, and Prajna, the threefold path of sila (ethical conduct), samadhi (concentration), and prajna (wisdom) form the core of Buddhist practice.
The Dhammapada and other suttas describe instances of criticism faced by the Buddha, such as opposition to the Bhikkhuni Sangha or hostility from Devadatta. Yet, he responded not with anger, but with calm compassion. He once said: “If someone hurls abuse and I do not accept it, it remains with them.” His grace lay in forgiveness, patience, and empathy.
Buddhism is not a dogma but an experiential path. The Buddha taught in Pali, the common language of the people, avoiding complex ritualism. His teachings were adapted to the listener’s needs, making them deeply personal and accessible.
Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta: The Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath to his five former companions. It lays out the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Ariyapariyesana Sutta: In this discourse, the Buddha recounts his journey from unworthy quests to noble ones, emphasizing personal effort and inner transformation.
These texts anchor the Buddha’s life and philosophy in experiential clarity.
The life of Gautama Buddha is not merely the biography of a religious founder, it is a timeless philosophy that teaches humanity to understand the root of its suffering and the way to overcome it. He performed no miracles, instilled no fear, only encouraged reflection, reason, and mindfulness.
His life reminds us that liberation lies not outside but within, and that this journey is open to anyone who dares to look within with sincerity and discipline.
