Siddhartha Gautama is the name of the man typically referred to as "Buddha." Buddha is a title meaning "Awakened one" or "Enlightened One"

Exact birth and death date are not know, but it is estimated he lived from 6-400 B.C. He lived in Northeastern India.

There are six deva-worlds of Kamadhatu. Tusita is able to be reached by meditation. These are three of them.

  • Yama
  • Tusita
  • Nirmanarati

Brahmin Lineage (High Priest, See this article where it discusses Taurus, Abraham)

Was born to mother Maya who had a vision the night she conceived of her son riding a white elephant with six tusks and that he entered into her side as a virgin birth. Other stories say the birth was painless.

Hermit seer Asita journeyed to see the child and said child would either become a great king or priest.

Buddah lived as a prince and upon learning about suffering in the world (which his father had shielded him from) he left on a religious quest and had an existential concern for the human condition.

He tried many things, including almost fasting, nearly to death. He switched to mediation.

It is said that before he became enlightened, he was tempted by Mara (name means "death", "destroyer") in an attempt to distract him by showing him beautiful women stripping in front of him. Mara is depicted in paintings as riding an elephant a symbol of strength and perhaps authority as did Buddha.

Said he could live for an aeon if asked.

Formed a female society of priestesses and said they had as much equal right and privilege.

When he knew he would die, he said the Dharma (or doctrine) would be their leader and that they should follow no leader. He took pains to formulate and transmit these teachings accurately, though we only have fragments today. He taught in his last sermon to reject all religious authority and "be lamps unto yourselves."

All things in his society were done by common consent. All had an equal vote.

 

Maya dream of the Birth of Gautama Siddharta.

 

Mother Maya miraculously giving birth to Siddhartha.

 

The Buddha surrounded by the demons of Mara.

 

Mara depicted in the Burmese style, attempting to tempt Buddha.

 

See Also

Hinduism is not a defined religion, but is more of a grouping of eastern religions. Buddhism is considered on of them.