7 Unknown Facts About Buddha That You May Not Know

1. Buddha did not Care about  “Gods”. Buddhism was a stark contrast to many of the orthodox teachings of Hinduism in its day. Perhaps the greatest example of this is the conception of gods in Buddhism: there are none! Buddha did not believe that gods or goddess were really relevant to the supreme goal of enlightenment…therefore, they could be left out of the main teachings. It’s up to the practitioner to find what works for them. But belief of their existence is needless.

2. Unlike most religions or spiritual beliefs, Buddha’s teachings were spread by nonviolent methods such as word of mouth or carvings on prominent stone buildings.

3. Buddha’s spot of enlightenment underneath the bodhi tree is still preserved to this day.

4. After achieving the enlightenment he started sharing his idea and his teachings. Buddha and his disciples for the next forty five years went to different places in the world to spread their words and teachings. Buddha taught people that to become the enlightened one, a person should never be ignorant, angry and hate people. It was not hard for Buddha to win hearts of people wherever he went as he knew the true feelings of people and knew how to deal with them.

5. During his journey throughout the world to spread their teachings, Buddha visited his son, father, his devoted wife and his foster mother. Eventually his family joined the Sangha, which is the Buddhist monastic community. His cousin Ananda also became his disciple and joined the community and became a monk. His son, Rahula was the youngest monk in the community and he became monk when he was just seven years old.

6. What the Buddha discerned in his moment of enlightment is summarized within the Four Noble Truths - Suffering exists; Suffering arises from attachment to desires; Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases; Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold Path.

7. Buddha taught and traveled his entire life until the age of 80 when he passed away. His final request of his followers was this: “All component things in the world are changeable. They are not lasting. Work hard to gain your own salvation.”