The Buddha, a title meaning “awakened one,” is also known by various other names: Siddhartha, Shakyamuni, Gautama, Tathagata, and Bhagavat. The term Buddha also refers to a state of mind that embodies many qualities, with the most important being lucidity and clarity in perceiving reality, in seeing things as they truly are.

The Buddha was a real human being born as Siddhartha Gautama into the Shakya clan of Kapilavastu. He lived from 563 to 483 BCE in what is now Nepal and India. His life is often summarized in the ten acts—conception, birth, development of worldly skills, youth, the four sights, leaving the palace, ascetic life, victory over Mara, enlightenment, teaching, and death.

Historical and spiritual events took place at each of the key Buddhist sacred sites. Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal, and lived in Kapilavastu until he was 29 years old. In Bodh Gaya, India, he defeated Mara and attained enlightenment, touching the earth as his witness. In Sarnath, Deer Park, Buddha gave his first teaching on the four noble truths, and 45 years later, he passed into paranirvana in Kushinagar.

The story of the historical Buddha is an essential part of the Buddhadharma and can inspire individuals to practice what he taught. Prince Siddhartha’s experience, questions, journey, and resolution provide a pathway to understand the Dharma.

Find specific aspects of the story of the historical Buddha that matter to them. Identify how his qualities, and the values and wisdom he expressed relate to their lives.

• Is there anyone in modern times who resembles Siddhartha in their attitude or actions?
• What makes Siddhartha outstanding, given that in his time and in later periods, there have been other great seekers and teachers?

Sequence and analyze the ten acts of Buddha’s life within their historical and geographical contexts; evaluate the universal themes in Buddha’s journey that relate to contemporary human experience; and synthesize understanding by examining how specific events in Buddha’s life demonstrate key Buddhist principles such as the four noble truths and the middle way.