Biography (ජීවිත කථාව)
Birth and family
Gautama Buddha was born in LumbiniSuddhodana of the Śākya clan, and his mother was Queen Māyādevī. He was raised in Kapilavatthu, in luxury and protection.
Renunciation and enlightenment
After seeing the four sights — old age, sickness, death, and a renunciant — Siddhartha Gautama renounced worldly life at age 29. He practiced asceticism, then meditation, and attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya at age 35, becoming the Buddha.
Teachings and disciples
His first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana SuttaSāriputta and Mahāmoggallāna. His attendant monk was Ānanda. His Sangha grew vast, spreading across India and beyond.
Passing away
Gautama Buddha attained Parinibbāna at age 80 in Kusinārā. His relics were enshrined in stupas across India, becoming centers of devotion and pilgrimage.
Symbolic meaning (සංකේතමය අර්ථය)
Gautama Buddha symbolizes the rediscovery of Dharma in our age. His life shows the path from luxury to renunciation, from struggle to awakening, and from compassion to universal teaching. He is the living bridge between past Buddhas and the future Maitreya.
Sources and Further Reading (මූලාශ්ර සහ වැඩිදුර කියවීම)
- Mahāpadāna Sutta (DN 14) — SuttaCentral
- Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (SN 56.11) — SuttaCentral
- Gautama Buddha — Wikipedia
- Gautama Buddha — Dhamma Wiki