Lord Budda is one of the greatest personalities of the world. He led mankind towards kindness, righteousness, truth, peaceful living and salvation. He was born in Kapilavastu about two thousand five hundred years ago. Kapilavastu was the capital of Nepal. His father Suddhodana was the king of Nepal, Maya Devi, his mother, died immediately after he was born. Suddhodhana brought up his son with utmost care and love. Buddha was first named Siddhartha and Gautama.
Siddhartha had good education. He was well trained in weapons also. He was a boy. He had no appreciation of the worldly pleasures. He did not have aptitude for Kingly pomp. His father tried to divert Gautama’s attention towards worldly pomp and pleasure. So he got him married to Yasodhara. Gautama had a son by Yasodhara. His name was Rahula. But Gautama’s attention was not fully drawn towards pleasures. He did not give up his deep thinking.
Leaving his son, wife and the palace, one night Gouthama went into the forests. He became a Sanyasi. He roamed all over the country and reached Gaya. There he sat under a tree, which came to be known after him as ‘Bodhi’ tree and began to mediate upon God. After a long time wisdom dawned upon him. Afterwards he came to be known as Buddha. ‘Buddha’ means ‘one who has great wisdom’. Later on he began to preach his new religion. Many people became his followers. His religion spread not only all over India, but also in other countries such as Tibet, Burma and China. Even now Buddhism is found in these countries.
Buddhism was taught in Pali language, which was then spoken by the common people. Principles of Buddhism were simple. There were no caste differences and sacrifices. Purity in thought and deed, love of truth and Ahimsa were the main principles of this religion. So it spread quickly and Emperors like Asoka and Kanishka embraced it.
