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BUDDHISM BASICS page 1
The Original Buddha
The original or first Buddha was born in 566B.C.
The Original Buddha passed away in 486B.C. at the age of 80.
Different books give different dates for his birth and death. If you should find discrepancies between our information and yours, please feel free to email us with your information and the source of your information.
Buddhism is less rigid than any of the Western religions and promotes discussion and debate. Buddhism teaches that more important than knowing the right answer is the desire and path to obtaining answers.
Buddhism teaches each of us to become a Buddha within our own lifetime.
This has been achieved by millions of other persons since the time of the Original Buddha, born Siddhartha Gautarma, in the Lumbini Grove, near Kapilavasti, in India.
Siddhartha was the son of Suddhodana, Chief of their clan or village.
When Siddhartha attained enlightenment, he became the first Buddha. The word Buddha translates as 'enlightened one.' He is also referred to as Shakyamuni Buddha, which translates as First Enlightened One of the Shakya Clan.
Over the years I have collected other translations of the word Buddha:
The Buddha was a lecturer who created many Disciples and had many followers.
Like any new product or concept, people approached him with many doubts, questions, and sometimes defiance.
Buddha removed the doubts of those who approached him by listening to them as well as talking to them.
For those who wish to study the techniques of the Buddha's teaching visit the Disciple Section of Shaolin Zen.
Buddha created a unique religion based upon each person discovering The Truth of life in their own way and in their own time.
Buddhism is a Spiritual University where each student picks their courses, tests their self, and decide what grade they deserve.