1 - Birth story

Myth = a symbolic narrative usually of an unknown origin and is at least partly traditional.

If we see a story as ‘mythological’ this means that there is:

  • Symbolic meaning

  • there may be supernatural events

  • there may be slightly different versions of the story which have developed over time

 

The story:

key notes:

  • his father was a king which the buddha claimed in the Pali Cannon

Pali Cannon =  the earliest written form of the Buddhist teachings – it was collected in writing around 100 B.C.E. on palm leaves collected in baskets  

  • born on the full moon of May in a garden called Lumbini - according to the Theravada tradition

Theravada buddhism = one of the main two schools of Buddhism - its supporters consider it to be the most authoritative branch because they believe their teachings come directly from the historical buddha.

  • ten months prior to his birth (at the time of his conception), his mother Maya dreamt of a white elephant entering through her side into her womb

  • in the Pali Cannon it is suggested that his conception was miraculous by the Bodhisattva (Buddha-to-be) - he descended directly from the heaven where he spent his penultimate life into his mother’s womb - no mention of his father being involved.

  • Maya stopped to rest in a garden in Lumbini whilst travelling

  • Legend says that a Sala tree bent down to offer her protection

Sala tree = symbolises strength, stability and goodness

  • she then gave birth to the child without pain or bloodshed - some versions say he emerged from her side, totally clean and immediately good

  • some other miraculous details of the birth include: 10-month pregnancy, miraculous jets of water, angels catching the newborn in a golden net, his turning to the four corners of the earth and immediately taking seven steps and proclaiming his mission, a shining light and an earthquake.

  • Maya passed away 7 days after the birth and was reborn in a heaven

  • a Brahmin sage called Asita foretold his future destiny at his naming ceremony

Brahmin sage = an esteemed scholar from the Brahmin castle, known for their wisdom and spiritual discipline.

  • the legend talks about a prophecy that the boy would grow up to be either a king/emperor or a buddha (enlightened teacher) - this depended on whether he ever stopped to think about suffering.

Hagiography = A religious biography

If a story is read ‘hagiographically’ this means:

It is written to show the qualities if the person, rather than the historical facts.

Some elements will have the purpose of representing the person in a particular way.

Some elements may aim to link the person to specific beliefs or teachings of the religion.

'It is as a hagiography that we should read the life-story of the Buddha...Within this perspective, the interests of veridical historical narrative are sometimes not seen, and are always subordinate.'    Paul Williams