1. life of buddha

• born in Lumbini, spent his childhood in Kapilavastu, attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. Passed away in Kusinara.
• Conception

  Resided as an immaterial being before his birth. Queen Mahamaya dreamed of a white elephant before his birth symbolising a great spiritual leader. King Suddhodana shielded the buddha from suffering.
• Physical birth

  Seven steps in all directions symbolising the wide spreading of his teachings. Asita's prophecy= great King or holy man leading ti his shielding from the world. Leads to Buddhas teachings of anicca and tanha- shouldn't attatch or crave material thungs.
• Accomplishments in worldly skill

  Well educated and accomplished leading to his teachings of worldly pursuits as ends and don't provide true happiness. Entered deep meditation at 9 years old= teaching of finding truth through meditation.
• Buddha's youth

  Experience taught him how material wealth doesn't lead to true happiness as it's impermanent (anicca). Also leads to his renunciation of worldly goods and material pleasures.
• Leaving the palace


  Four sights- holy man, old age, sickness and death. Holy man= idea of finding true happiness. Lead him to renounce worldly life to find solution to human suffering. Four sights can be viewed literally or symbolically.
• Life as an aesthetic


  Realised extremes of aestheticism and hedonism are unhelpful in search for freedom and truth- must find middle way.
• Victory over Mara

  Must let go of ego and negative emotions. Mara symbolises ego. Influences his teachings of the 4 noble truths.
• the Buddha deliberately set out to find a new religion?

  Agree

  • Historically created teachings to be followed eg 4 noble truths
  • rejected Brahmanism and couldn't find solutions to human suffering within Brahmanism
  • spent 45 years of his life spreading his teachings and gaining followers
• the Buddha deliberately set out to find a new religion?

  Disagree

  • Buddhism rejects a God-> emphasised empiricism
  • intention was to find solution to suffering->motivated by compassion
• The Buddhas teachings reflect the wider cultural changes taking place in India at the time

  Agree

  • dissatisfied with current Vedic religion-> social economic changes brought about increased awareness of suffering
  • teachings of karma emphasise oppressive nature of the treatment of karma in the caste system
  • use of meditation reflects teachings from his yoga teachers
• Teachings do not reflect wider cultural changes in India

  
  

  • Anatta viewed as a radical idea
  • Karma viewed from a new aspect- "democratised karma"
  • middle way completely new compared to teachings of extreme asceticism (Jains)