WORLD RELIGIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -There is some confusion about the dates because the first written accounts of Siddhartha’s life were written about 500 years after his death. Throughout his life, Siddhartha sought spiritual enlightenment. Once he reached this stage, he became known as the Buddha. The word Buddha means “awakened one” in Sanskrit.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Buddha was born into the royal family around 563/480 BCE in Nepal. After six years of ascetic practice, Siddhartha attained full enlightenment at the age of thirty five. As a result he became known as Buddha, or the awakened one.

Detailed explanation-3: -At a place now known as Bodh Gaya (“enlightenment place”), he sat and meditated all night beneath a pipal tree. After defeating the forces of the demon Mara, Siddhartha reached enlightenment (1982.233) and became a Buddha (“enlightened one”) at the age of thirty-five.