Life of the Buddha

What was the Buddha’s name?

Siddhartha Gautama

What does “Buddha” mean?

The enlightened one

What was the aim of Buddha’s teachings?

To help people overcome suffering and promote happiness by showing them how to carefully look at life

What is believed about his conception?

Maya had a dream where 4 angels carried her to mountain peaks and then a white elephant walked round her 3 times and touched her right side, impregnating her

How many Brahmans interpreted Maya’s dream?

64

Who was present at the Siddhartha’s birth?

Brahma and Indra (Hindu gods)

How was Siddhartha born?

Under a tree from Maya’s right side

What happened after the Siddhartha was born?

He took 7 steps and announced that this was his last birth into the world

How did Siddhartha live during the first part of his life?

In luxury

Who is Siddhartha’s wife and son?

His wife is Yasodhara and his son is Rahula

When did Siddhartha get a wife?

16

Why did Siddhartha leave his home?

To find a way to end suffering

What happened when Siddhartha left his home?

He saw the 4 sights

Why did Siddhartha cut off his long hair at his renounciation?

To signify cutting off attachment to the world

How many companions did Siddhartha have during his renounciation?

5

What did Siddhartha do to try and search for spiritual truth?

He fasted for 6 years

What did Siddhartha do when fasting wasn’t working?

He meditated under a Bodhi tree and vowed not to move until attained full enlightenment

What happened when he was meditating under the tree?

He found the middle way (between extremes)

When did Siddhartha become known as the Buddha?

After he was fully enlightened

When did the Buddha meet the Mara (devil)?

After he was enlightened

What did Mara do to the Buddha?

Tried to temp him with his daughters (desire, fulfilment and regret)

What did the Buddha do after he was enlightened?

He taught others and helped them reach enlightenment

How did the Buddha die?

Food poisoning

What are the aims of Buddha’s teachings?

To help people overcome suffering and promote happiness by showing them how to look quietly and carefully at life