3. Buddhism Introduction, Buddha's Life & Mudras

Buddhism Founder

Gautam Buddha (563BC-483BC) - He belonged to Shakya Clan - He was also known as Shakyamuni, Tathagat.

Gautam Buddha Birth, Death & Names

Birth (Lumbini, Nepal) - Death (Kushinagara, Uttar Pradesh) - Childhood name (Siddhartha).

Gautam Buddha Family

Father Suddhodhana (Kshatriya) - Mother Mahamaya (belonged to Koliya tribe) - Step-mother Mahaprajapati Goutami (first Bhikkhuni) - Wife Yashodhara - Son Rahul.

Gautam Buddha ascetic journey

Left home at the age of 29 years - First teacher Alara Kalama - Second teacher Udraka Ramputra.

Gautam Buddha Enlightenment & First Sermon

Enlightenment at the age of 35 years, Uruvela (Bodh Gaya), under a Bodhi tree (peepal tree) for 49 days near river Niranjana - First sermon at Sarnath, Varanasi.

Buddha Purnima & Title

Buddha Purnima is observed to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha - Gautam Buddha is considered as "Light of Asia".

Aniconic (symbolic) forms of Buddha

In early Buddhism, Gautam Buddha was not depicted in human form but through symbols such as Empty throne (seat), Footprints (Buddhapada), Dharma Chakra (wheel), Bodhi tree, Stupa.

Disciples of Gautam Buddha

Sariputta, Moggallana, Mahakasyapa, Upali, Ananda, Subhuti.

Important Symbols of Buddha's Life (Janma & Nirvana)

Janma (Birth) is represented by Lotus/Bull - Nirvana (Enlightenment) is represented by Bodhi tree.

Important Symbols of Buddha's Life (Dharmachakra & Maha bhinishkramana)

Dharmachakra pravartana (First Sermon) is represented by Wheel - Maha bhinishkramana (House renunciation / Great departure) is represented by Horse (Kanthak).

Important Symbols of Buddha's Life (Death)

Parinirvana / Maha parinirvana (Death) is represented by Stupa.

Philosophy of Buddhism (Four Noble Truths)

1. The truth of suffering - 2. The truth of the cause of suffering i.e., desire - 3. The truth of the end of suffering - 4. The truth of the path to the end of suffering i.e. Eight Fold Path.

Eight Fold Path or Ashtangika Marga

Followed to end sufferings - Right mindfulness, Right view, Right concentration, Right action, Right livelihood, Right intention, Right speech, Right effort.

Triratnas of Buddhism

Buddha - Dhamma (Teachings of Buddha) - Sangha (community of monks).

Mudras of the Buddha (Dharmachakra & Abhaya)

Dharmachakra Mudra ("Teaching Wheel", Represents the Buddha's teachings) - Abhaya Mudra ("Fearless", Signifies protection and overcoming fear).

Mudras of the Buddha (Bhumisparsha & Varad)

Bhumisparsha Mudra ("Touching the Earth", Represents the Buddha's enlightenment) - Varad Mudra ("Generosity", Represents giving and compassion).

Mudras of the Buddha (Dhyana & Vitarka)

Dhyana Mudra ("Meditation", Signifies contemplation and inner peace) - Vitarka Mudra ("Wheel of Law", Represents reasoned discussion and the transmission of Buddhist teachings).