Buddhism For Beginners: Buddhist Philosophy For Happy, Peaceful and Focused Lifestyle For Everyone

By Mike J Mclane

Looking For Inner Peace & Happiness?

Are you looking to become a Buddhist?

Want to learn about Buddhism and whether or not it's the right path for you? 
 

This book is a must read for anyone looking to study up on Buddhism. It covers all aspects of Buddhism and defines what it is in such a way that everyone can understand it. Despite Buddhism being one of the oldest religions in the world, there are many people who still do not understand it. In fact, they misinterpret the teachings so much because they only know what they see in television and movies.

This book is aimed at people wanting to learn about Buddhism. In this book, I'll discuss the basic principles and tenets of Buddhism, Buddhist teachings and Buddhist rituals, along with how you can incorporate Buddhism into your daily life.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mike C Mclane
• Release date: Jun 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386756767

Book preview

Chapter 1: A Short Biography Of The Buddha

No introduction to Buddhism will be complete without at least a short mention of the life story of the Buddha. This charming story has inspired millions of people and holds within it many of the most valuable insights into the teachings we are about to consider. Over the years the story of the birth, life,and death of this famous man has been embellished, and many of the facts are disputed. Nevertheless, through all the different versions of the tale, the core idea remains the same. Let’s take a look at a generally accepted version of the story.

The Birth of a Great Man

Around 563BC a boy was born to the King of the Sakya realm, somewhere on the India-Nepal border, in a park named Lumbini. Five days after his birth the little prince received the name,Siddhartha.

His father was King Suddhodana, and his mother was Queen Maya. One legend tells of a dream that Queen Maya had before giving birth to her son. In the dream, a beautiful white elephant descended from the heavens into her womb, a sign that she would give birth to a universal emperor. Sadly the Queen died shortly after the birth of her son, and her younger sister took on the role of a surrogate.

There was much sadness for the Queen, but the birth of her son was a cause for much comfort and rejoicing all over the realm. The naming ceremony was attended by an ascetic, Asita – a Holy man from the Himalayas – and he was most interested in the baby. To the surprise of all who saw it, the child’s legs turned and rested on the matted locks of the old man. Instantly Asia knew there was something special about the child, that he was destined to become the Enlightened One. 

The Early Years

Little Siddartha (with the family name Gautama) was a very unusual child, as can be seen from the following episode. While the King and his family were all involved in the exciting plowing festival, the little prince sat by himself under a rose-apple tree and became lost in meditation looking at the wonders of nature around him. His incredible focus and rapt concentration brought exclamations of surprise from all that saw him.

His entire youth was spent in a protected seclusion. The King made sure that no harm could possibly come to his senses, blessed young boy. Three lotus ponds were built especially for his amusement, and only the finest clothes touched his skin. Night and day a parasol was held over his head so that no harsh sun or rain could harm him. Servants waited on his every need, and the boy was lacking for nothing. More than that, the King carefully planned things so that the boy would never see any sick, infirm or elderly people. All signs of suffering were vigilantly kept away from his eyes.

At the age of sixteen, he was betrothed to the beautiful Princess Yasodhara. Young Siddhartha excelled mentally and physically, and everything in his Royal life was ‘Just Roses’. But the sensitive youth was not content. He developed an insatiable urge to explore the real world. He decided to visit a nearby town.

The King got word of his intentions and made sure the entire route to the town was prepared, swept, and made ready, but it was useless. When Siddhartha finally made the journey, he saw an old man – the first he had ever laid eyes on. He enquired about the strange sight and was finally told the truth. Later on, he came across sickly people and saw a funeral procession. The veils of ignorance were lifted from his eyes, and he saw the ugly truth once and for all. While living in the lap of luxury he realized the universal sorrow that comes with life.

The last straw for the young Prince was a meeting with a hermit – an ascetic Holy Man who had given up all material pursuits and followed a different way. Enthralled by the peace and tranquility that he saw in the old Hermit’s eyes, he made up his mind to leave his luxurious life behind and set out on his own to find the truth.

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Renunciation and Journeys

By now Siddartha already had a child with his young bride, and his father the King was determined to change his mind. But it was no use. One night the Prince took one final look at his idyllic life, saw that his wife and child would never lack anything, and made his decision. Taking his horse, Karnataka, and accompanied by his loyal charioteer, Chanda, he stole away at midnight, leaving it all behind for good.

Before leaving the city gates Siddhartha exchanged his fine garments for the simple yellow robe of an ascetic, a seeker, and he shaved off all his hair. He sent Chanda home with the horse and set off alone. In this way, he gained the name Sakyamuni or ascetic of the Sakya clan.

It is noteworthy that he made this decision in the prime of his life, with absolutely everything going for him. He was not defeated, impoverished, or disillusioned with his riches. Here was a man who had absolutely everything that others dreamed of, and yet his yearning for truth was more powerful than the huge social pressure, the responsibilities of a father and a King to be, and every other thing in his life. He simply gave it all up as nothing, knowing full well that his happiness was connected to his inner craving for enlightenment.

So he embarked on his search, which would last for the next few years, going from one teacher to the next, and looking all over for the one thing he really desired:  A very special kind of knowledge.

The Search for Truth

This part of the Buddha’s life was all about seeking out answers to the questions he had formed while growing up. Why do we live, age, suffer, and finally die? He was