Siddhartha Gautama Research Paper

The origins of Buddhism derive from the story of Siddhartha Gautama. Siddhartha Gautama was an Ancient Indian prince during 500 B.C. (Ramírez et al. 103). His father was King Suddhodana of a Shakya clan that would now be located in Southern Nepal (Watts 1). Some accounts of Gautama’s birth state that a mysterious light illuminated the world while the gods attended the birth when a miraculous stream of water descending from the sky to wash the child (Thompson 1). Gautama apparently immediately stood, walked seven paces, surveyed all directions, and declared that this would be his final rebirth (Thompson 1). A seer predicted that Gautama would grow up to be powerful, in a religious or royal aspect, so his father isolated his child from the hardships …show more content…
In order to keep Gautama content, his father spoiled him with luxuries and palaces that he could reside in, away from the dangers of the world (Ramírez et al. 104). Legends state that as Siddhartha Gautama aged, at around approximately 29 years old, he began to want to leave the palace (Ramírez et al. 103). His father required that the streets would be clear of all possible experiences that would expose him to the hardships of the world, but his efforts failed (YSSSD 2). The first time Gautama left the palace, he noticed a plaintive elderly man; the second time he left the palace, Gautama saw a sick man who was coughing and pale (YSSSD 2). The idea that old age and sickness existed in the world deeply affected him (YSSSD 2). He left the palace again and saw the Third Site, one which would affect him the most: he saw a dead man in a coffin (YSSSD 2). This encounter was his first experience with the idea of death, and he realized that at one point, his family would die, too (YSSSD 2). He was shocked and almost overwhelmed that such negativity could possibly exist in the world that he only experienced life’s comforts (YSSSD 2). Finally, Gautama noticed, on a different chariot ride, Hindu monks seeking enlightenment (YSSSD

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