The History of Buddha Gautama Buddha, born approximately 563 B.C, was born as Siddharta Gautama. The name Buddha, which means "enlightened one", was later given to him by his followers. Buddha is also less commonly known as Shakyamuni and Tathagata. Buddha is known as the key figure and founder of Buddhist religions. Accounts of Buddha's life have been passed down orally, so exact details concerning his life are not completely accurate, but his life is said to follow along certain lines. Prince Siddharta was born into an aristocratic family in Lumbini, which is now modern day Nepal. Siddharta married and had a son. After becoming increasingly dissatisfied with his aristocratic life of luxury, he abandoned his inheritance and began extreme meditative practices. After six years, he discovered that these extreme practices were not beneficial to him and did not lead him to greater understanding. Siddharta then began to practice a less extreme form of meditation called the "middle way". Soon after, he claimed to have been enlightened about the nature of human suffering and the way to eliminate it. The state of enlightment that he experienced is called "Bodhi", which is the word that "Buddha" is derived from. Buddha began teaching the "middle way" and emphasized to his followers that he was neither a god nor sent from a god. He also emphasized that his enlightenment was not caused by any supernatural force, but was instead the result of close attention to nature and the human mind and could be achieved by anyone. For the remaining 45 years of his life, Buddha traveled to areas of the Ganges river in central India. He taught his meditation practices to a diverse group of people. He spoke to everyone from nobles to the poor; he even spoke to those who adhered to other religions and philosophies. Buddha founded a community of monks and nuns known as the Sangha to continue teaching after he died. After continued illness, the Buddha died in India at the age of 80. One account of Buddha's death says that his last words were, "All things which are made of parts eventually come apart. Be mindful, and achieve Enlightenment!" Buddha is described in Buddhist scriptures for notable characteristics such as having a comprehensive education in martial arts and literature, and also an extensive understanding of the philosophy and religion of his culture. Despite popular depictions, Buddha was not overweight, but was actually athletic throughout his whole life, sometimes hiking miles a day. He was a superb teacher with a superior grasp for subjects who was fearless and unworried at all times. Buddha was indifferent to hunger and all unsettling conditions. He lived a celibate life from the age of 29 until his death. Three major schisms have occured since the Buddha's death: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. -Theravada literally means "the teaching of the elders". It is the oldest surviving Buddhist school of teaching. Almost 70 percent of the population of Shri Lanka and most of Southeast Asia practice this religion. Theravada Buddhists believe that suffering is a result of past-life greed. This greed comes back in rebirth as bad karma, and compassion toward others comes back as good karma. Karma effects each person and influences their rebirth for better or for worse. When one becomes fully enlightened, they will be liberated from the cycle of rebirth and will come to Nirvana. Most modern Western Buddhists do not actually believe in liberal rebirth. - Mahayana Buddhism is the school of Buddhism that has the most diverse beliefs within its group of members. They believe that there are three forms or natures to Buddha. 1) Body of Essense - the ultimate truth that is Nirvana, 2) Body of Bliss - Buddha as a formless spirit with saving grace, and 3) Body of Transformation - Buddha's human nature that leads all to Enlightenment. Mahayana Buddhists believe that anyone can potentially achieve Buddhahood. Many believe that there have been numerous Buddhas throughout the years. Much like Theravada Buddhists, Mahayana Buddhists also believe in the theory of rebirth, and most do not believe in literal rebirth. - Vajrayana Buddhists believe that it is possible to attain Enlightenment within only one lifetime. They are focused on achieving Enlightenment as quickly as possible. While Mahayana Buddhism teaches that others should be helped with attaining Enlightenment, while Vajrayana Buddhists teach that you must first attain Enlightenment yourself and only then should you help others.