The Root of Suffering
Flowchart showing the cause and cure of suffering.
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The Buddha observed that understanding the cause of our pain is the first step toward curing it.
Understand the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the core tenets of Buddhism, and its spread via the Sangha.
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The life story of Siddhartha Gautama.
Born into a royal family in Lumbini (in modern-day Nepal) around 560 BCE, Siddhārtha Gautama lived a highly protected life within the palace walls. It wasn't until he was 29 years old that he finally saw the realities of the outside world.
While riding his chariot through the city, he encountered four life-changing sights: an old man, a sick man, a dead body, and a peaceful ascetic (someone who practices rigorous spiritual discipline).
Flowchart showing the cause and cure of suffering.
The Buddha observed that understanding the cause of our pain is the first step toward curing it.
Explanation of Ahimsa, the Sangha, and the Jataka tales.
To cure the suffering caused by ignorance and attachment, the Buddha taught a method of sincere inner discipline.
A core part of his teaching was ahimsa, which is often translated as 'non-violence' but originally meant 'non-hurting' or 'non-injuring'. Ahimsa requires refraining from violence in physical actions, as well as in thoughts and feelings toward others and oneself.
Multiple choice questions on Buddhist concepts.
According to the Buddha's realization under the pipal tree, what are the two root causes of human suffering?