Did Gautama Buddha Really Create a New Religion?
Of course, Buddha, also known as Gautama Buddha or the Awakened One, established Buddhism, but his teaching was not sectarian like Brahmanism or Vedic practices. His Dhamma was intended to reveal the truth, not to be a belief system. Many people attempted to manipulate and discriminate others out of their narrow communal ego-driven perspectives. Buddha was a great sage, a master of masters, whose Dhamma was designed for practice, not as a set of rituals or beliefs as seen in Hinduism.
Buddha's teachings provided tools for living a beautiful life, moving away from the grotesque animal sacrifices that were common in Vedic rituals during his time. Therefore, Buddhism is not synonymous with Hindu Brahmanism. This is why King Shosangho and the SENA dynasty, cruel kings, sought to suppress his teachings in India. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, in his book "Hind Swaraj," showed much respect to Buddha as a great son of India, exiled by the Brahmanists but who enlightened the world and glorified India, as no one had done before.
Buddhism - A Teaching for Practice, Not Belief
Siddhartha Gautama, most commonly referred to as the Buddha, was a wandering ascetic and religious teacher who lived in South Asia during the 6th or 5th century BCE. He did not market his own religion; rather, he made a series of profound observations about the human condition and gained significant insights. Much like Prince Siddhartha, Jesus too was a religious teacher from a specific background, and his followers were called Christians, not Jesusists. It is the followers who often label the teachings and establish the religion's name.
A Prince Who Found Enlightenment
Prince Siddhartha, a prince of a small kingdom bordering Nepal, gave up his royal life to seek enlightenment. Through meditation, he attained a profound understanding of life. After his life-changing realization, people started asking him questions, and he provided insightful answers, making him well-known during his lifetime.
According to legends, the king warned Buddha about the difficulties of life outside the palace, but he chose to leave anyway. This decision was crucial, as it led to his enlightenment under a tree, marking the beginning of Buddhism. His teachings, often starting with the phrase 'Thus I have found...', were meant for ordinary people like him. Those who follow Buddha are called Buddhists, like how followers of Christ are called Christians.
The Spread and Recognition of Buddhism
The foundation of Buddhism is based on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which outline the way to achieving Nirvana. It is a practice of understanding and self-reflection, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom. As Buddha's teachings spread, they transformed societies and influenced various aspects of life, from philosophy to ethics.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is just one of the many figures who recognized the profound impact of Buddha’s teachings on India and the world. His respect for Buddha is evident in his writings and actions, highlighting how Buddhism has enriched the spiritual and cultural landscape of India and beyond.