Buddha

Author: Luo Lan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: A royal prince who was ignorant of the hardships of the common people, yet after witnessing the truths of life's birth, old age, sickness, and death, grew weary of all the beautiful things before him and resolved to become a monk in search of freedom from all constraints. All the attachments in this world are the reasons for human "suffering." Understanding this principle, he ultimately became a great master who propagated Buddhist teachings. He regarded "seeing one's own nature" as his spiritual practice philosophy. During his practice, he underwent numerous trials. His life story is not only rich in interest but also thought-provoking, thereby recreating the true essence of Buddhism.
Buddhism originated in the 6th to 5th centuries BCE, equivalent to China's Spring and Autumn Period, approximately 2,500 years ago. This period was marked by the rapid development of the slave economy in India and the rise of numerous city-states. Due to occupational differentiation and the concept of racial hierarchy, the caste system became a prominent feature of Indian society, establishing relationships between conquerors and the conquered. Among the conquerors, there was a distinction between nobles and commoners; while the conquered were considered the outcaste, who were discriminated against and oppressed as slaves. The Brahmins, who occupied the highest caste (priests), were the religious followers of ancient India.