Discover the transformative journey of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical figure behind the title of Buddha ("The Awakened One"). Born a sheltered prince in what is now Nepal, the young Siddhartha abandoned his royal luxury after witnessing the inevitable realities of old age, sickness, and death—known as the Four Sights. His quest for liberation led him through years of extreme asceticism, including attempting to survive on a single grain of rice a day. Realizing that neither extreme indulgence nor severe self-deprivation leads to enlightenment, he formulated the core of his teachings: the Middle Way. This philosophy promotes a balanced, moderate life inspired by the proper tuning of a musical instrument—not too tight, not too loose.

Ultimately achieving enlightenment under a sacred fig tree, now revered as the Bodhi Tree, the Buddha spent 45 years teaching an oral tradition that was later compiled into the Pali Canon. The Buddha’s teachings center on escaping the cycle of suffering and rebirth by attaining Nirvana—a state of mind achieved through wisdom and practice, literally meaning "blowing out" the flames of greed, anger, and ignorance. His wisdom encourages practices like mindful breathing and accepting impermanence to reduce stress and cultivate inner calm.

Related Episode: Fun Facts About the Longmen Grottoes

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