WORLD RELIGIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -The historical Buddha, referred to as the Buddha Gautama or simply as the Buddha, was born a prince of the Shakyas, on the present-day India-Nepal border. He is said to have lived a sheltered life of luxury that was interrupted when he left the palace and encountered an old man, a sick man, and a corpse.

Detailed explanation-2: -According to Buddhist tradition, he was born in Lumbini, in what is now Nepal, to royal parents of the Shakya clan, but renounced his home life to live as a wandering ascetic (Sanskrit: śramaṇa). After leading a life of begging, asceticism, and meditation, he attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in what is now India.

Detailed explanation-3: -Life of luxury-The Buddha was unaware of old age, sickness and death as he was shielded from these in palace life. He also saw no suffering. He was married at the age of 16 and had a child. Later, he turned away from his wealthy and easy life to find enlightenment.

Detailed explanation-4: -He renounced his life in the palace in order to find “the good” and to find “that most blessed state” which is beyond death. The story of the Great Renunciation is therefore a symbolic example of renunciation for all Buddhist monks and nuns.