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Ancient · South Asia

Siddhartha Gautama

c. 563-483 BCEReligious Leader

Spiritual teacher who articulated the Four Noble Truths and the path to liberation from suffering, founding Buddhism.

Biography

Overview

Born a prince in the Shakya clan, sheltered from all suffering, Siddhartha Gautama left his palace at 29 after glimpsing old age, sickness, and death. After six years of extreme asceticism brought no peace, he sat beneath a fig tree at Bodh Gaya, vowing not to rise until he understood the nature of suffering. That night, he became the Buddha: 'the one who woke up.'

For the next 45 years, he walked the dusty roads of northern India, teaching anyone who would listen: kings and outcasts, scholars and farmers. His message was radical in its simplicity, suffering arises from craving; craving ends through the Eightfold Path; liberation is possible for all. Two and a half millennia later, his teachings have spread to every corner of the world.

Buddha’s world, year by year

c. 563 BCEc. 483 BCE

Dated facts

Account · checked against Wikipedia Read the source

  1. 500 BCESiddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, was a wandering religious teacher in the eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains during the 6th or 5th century BCE.

Alive at the same time

Overlap Same years; not influence

Wars during this life

  • Conquests of Cyrus the Great 559–530 BCE
  • Ionian Revolt 499–493 BCE
  • Persian Conquest of Egypt 525–522 BCE
  • Greco-Persian Wars 499–449 BCE
  • Spring and Autumn Period Wars 771–476 BCE
  • Roman–Etruscan Wars 509–264 BCE

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Sources

Primary works and follow-on reading.

Primary Sources

  • Pali Canon (Nikāyas): Dīgha, Majjhima, Saṃyutta, Aṅguttara
  • Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (First Sermon)
  • Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta (Discourse on Non-Self)
  • Dhammapada
  • Reference profile for Siddhartha Gautama

Further Reading

  • What the Buddha Taught - Walpola Rahula
  • In the Buddha’s Words - Bhikkhu Bodhi (ed.)
  • The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching - Thich Nhat Hanh

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Siddhartha Gautama.

Who was Siddhartha Gautama?

Born a prince in the Shakya clan, sheltered from all suffering, Siddhartha Gautama left his palace at 29 after glimpsing old age, sickness, and death. After six years of extreme asceticism brought no peace, he sat beneath a fig tree at Bodh Gaya, vowing not to rise until he understood the nature of suffering. That night, he became the Buddha: 'the one who woke up.' For the next 45 years, he walked the dusty roads of northern India, teaching anyone who would listen: kings and outcasts, scholars and farmers. His message was radical in its simplicity, suffering arises from craving; craving ends through the Eightfold Path; liberation is possible for all. Two and a half millennia later, his teachings have spread to every corner of the world.

What was Siddhartha Gautama best known for?

Buddha is best known as a religious leader. Spiritual teacher who articulated the Four Noble Truths and the path to liberation from suffering, founding Buddhism.

When did Siddhartha Gautama live?

Buddha lived c. 563-483 BCE, born in -563 and died in -483, during the ancient period.

Can I chat with an AI version of Siddhartha Gautama?

Yes, free. Anyone can ask Buddha, and a first question needs no account. Every answer is a Simulation in character, grounded in Buddha’s real life, work and era. A good first question is: "I'm overwhelmed and anxious, can you help me find some peace right now?"

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Cite this page

“Siddhartha Gautama.” HistorIQly. https://historiqly.com/ai-historical-figures/buddha/

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