The legends surrounding the life of the Buddha have been the principal sources of inspiration for the creators of Buddhist art. A knowledge of these are needed for a meaningful insight into the nuances of Buddhist art, since each stage of the Buddha's many existences plays a part in the development of this art.

The young prince Gautama Siddhartha was born into the ancient Sakya clan, whose symbol was the lion; hence he is often known as "Sakyamuni" (the Sage of the Sakya), or as "Sakyasimha" (the Lion of the Sakya). His father belonged to the warrior caste. Soon after the young prince's birth, a wise sage named Asita predicted that the child would grow up to be a holy man, rather than following his father as ruler. Suddhodana, father of Gautama, tried to prevent this from happening by making sure that the prince lived a sequestered life of ease and luxury in the royal palace, ignorant of the world outside.

Even to this day Buddha is represented with extended earlobes, now empty of adornment, but which were once stretched out of shape by the weight of the costly jewelry he wore before renouncing his princely status.

When the young prince Gautama had passed childhood and reached middle youth, he learned in a few days the sciences suitable to his race, which others require many years to master; and the king, his father, sought for him from a family of unblemished moral excellence a bride possessed of beauty, modesty and gentle bearing, Yashodhara by name, after which the prince rejoiced in that princess. Gautama was sixteen then, and in due course, to the fair-bosomed Yashodhara there was born a son Rahula.

Until one day, by chance, while riding his chariot, he encountered an old man walking along the road. Intrigued by his first encounter with old age, the prince addressed his charioteer: "Who is this man there with the white hair, feeble hand gripping a staff, eyes lost beneath his brows, limbs bent and hanging loose? Has something happened to alter him, or is that his natural state?"

"That is old age", said the charioteer, "the ravisher of beauty, the ruin of vigor, the cause of sorrow, destroyer of delights, the bane of memories and the enemy of the senses. In his childhood, that one too drank milk and learned to creep along the floor, came step by step to vigorous youth, and he has now, step by step, in the same way, gone on to old age."

The charioteer thus revealed in his simplicity what was to have been hidden from the king's son, who exclaimed, "What! And will this evil come to me too?"

"Without doubt, by the force of time", said the charioteer.

And thus the great souled one, whose mind was but a store of merits, was agitated when he heard of old age - like a bull who has heard close by the crash of a thunderbolt.

He further encountered in such manner a sick man and a dead man, leading to great turbulence in his mind, seeking a remedy from this suffering.

One day he came across an ascetic mendicant. "What art thou?" he asked. To which the other answered, "Terrified by birth and death, desiring liberation, I became an ascetic. As a beggar, wandering without family and without hope, accepting any fare, I live now for nothing but the highest good." Convinced that herein lay the way to quell his mental agitation, Gautama resolved to follow this holy man's example.

Having made the decision he requested his father to allow him to proceed in his search for truth. On hearing of Gautama's resolve, his father became extremely anxious and entreated him to revert his decision. To which Gautama replied thus: "Father if you can fulfill my four desires, I promise not to leave you. These are: First, I should not die; Secondly, No disease should ever afflict me, youth should never desert me, and finally, prosperity should always be my companion." Hearing these impossible demands, the king was extremely dejected and became resigned to his fate. Gautama left the luxurious palace of his father in the middle of the night.

Wandering in his search for meaning, he came to a pleasant hermitage by the lovely stream Nairanjana, where he joined five mendicants in a way of discipline based on progressively severe fasting; until having only skin and bone remaining, emaciated to no purpose, he considered: "But this, certainly, is not the way to knowledge and liberation, which cannot be attained without strength." The Buddha then further thought "Perfect calm, the mind's self possession, can be gained only by the constant, perfect satisfaction of the senses. Contemplation is produced when the mind, self possessed, is at rest. And through contemplation that supremely calm, undecaying state is eventually gained which is so difficult to attain. All of which is based upon eating food."

Engaged in these thoughts, he was offered a rich bowl of milk, by the lovely and delicate maiden Nandabala the daughter of a leader of herdsman. This refreshing nourishment restored his body. But the five mendicants, scandalized, and considering him to have returned to the material world, departed. And he, Gautama arose and alone went to the Bodhi-tree, accompanied only by his own resolve and abandoned himself to meditation, vowing not to move from that spot until he attained full enlightenment.

Four weeks after he began meditating under the Bodhi tree, the heavens darkened for seven days, and a prodigious rain descended. However, the mighty king of serpents, Muchalinda, came from beneath the earth and protected with his hood the one who is the source of all protection. When the great storm had cleared, the serpent king assumed his human form, bowed before the Buddha, and returned in joy to his palace.

But as the great prince Shakyamuni was about to penetrate the last mystery of being, a light began to shine from his forehead over all the earth. Beholding this Mara, the Evil One, shuddered: he knew that his power to mislead humankind was threatened. Deciding to confront his opponent directly, he summoned his three attractive sons and his three voluptuous daughters (lust,delight and pining) to make Gautama abandon his meditations. Accompanied by his offsprings he repaired to the spot where Gautama was engaged in meditation:

"Up, up, O noble prince!" he ordered, with a voice of divine authority. "Recall the duties of your caste and abandon this dissolute quest for disengagement. The mendicant life is ill suited for anyone born of a noble house; but rather, by devotion to the duties of your caste, you are to serve the order the good society, maintain the laws of the revealed religion, combat wickedness in the world, and merit thereby a residence in the highest heaven as a god."

Observing that the blessed one failed to move by his words, he fixed an arrow to his bow: "If you are stubborn, stiff-necked, and abide by your resolve, this arrow that I am notching to my string, which has once inflamed Lord Shiva himself, shall be let fly. It is already darting out its tongue at you, like a serpent". And, threatening, he released the shaft, but without result. Perceiving that his weapon had failed, Mara wondered " He doesn't notice even the arrow that set the sun aflame ! Can he be destitute of sense? He is worthy neither of my flowery shaft, nor of my daughters: let me send against him my army." Immediately around the Shakyamuni, a demonic army crystallized, wearing frightening shapes and bearing deadly weapons. But lo! Amidst all these terrors, sights, sounds, and odors, the mind of the Blessed One was no more shaken than the wits of Garuda, the golden -feathered sun-bird, among crows. And a voice cried from the sky: " O Mara, take not upon thyself this vain fatigue! Put aside thy malice and go in peace! For though fire may one day give up its heat, water its fluidity, earth solidity; never will this Great being abandon his resolution. And the god Mara, discomfited, together with his army disappeared.

The Buddha's superior powers of intellect and yogic control enabled him to overcome the temptations of illusion and evil, personified as the demon Mara.

Siddhartha becomes the Enlightened One

Finally, at age 35, on the night of a full moon, Sakyamuni attained enlightenment. (From this time forward, the pipal tree under which he sat would be known as the Bodhi tree, or tree of enlightenment.) As he was alone with no one to witness this momentous event, he called the Earth itself to be his witness by touching the ground with his right hand in a gesture known as the Bhumisparsa mudra.

The Buddha's First Sermon

The Enlightened One gave his first public sermon in the Deer Park at Sarnath, near Benares, setting in motion the wheel of the Dharma (or spiritual law) as he expounded the doctrine of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This first sermon is represented by the Dharmachakra Mudra, a two-handed gesture symbolizing the setting in motion of a wheel. This mudra is also used to show the Buddha in his role as a teacher.

In Mahayana Buddhist art, the Buddha is typically represented as a young, ideally proportioned man dressed in simple monk's robes. But he is distinguished from ordinary humans by thirty-two sacred identifying features, or Lakshana. Among the most frequently observed are: the Ushnisha, a cranial bump on the head of the Buddha symbolizing wisdom; the Urna, an auspicious tuft of hair between the eyebrows of the Buddha which looks very much like a third eye on his forehead, and which represents his power to illuminate the world.

Death of the Buddha

At the age of 80, after 45 years of teaching, the Buddha entered into a deep trance and died peacefully in the Sala Grove in Kushinagara. This event, often called the (Maha)parinirvana, is depicted with the Buddha reclining gently on his right side, often surrounded by sorrowing attendants and disciples. Sometimes his body appears already shrouded with muslin, as is follower Ananda prepares for his master's funeral.

The Buddha's coffin proved impervious to ordinary fire, but a divine flame came from within; it burned for seven days and reduced Buddha's earthly remains to ashes. These remains, or sharira, were divided into eight parts, and sent throughout the world. The recipients reverently enshrined these holy relics in special mounded shrines called stupas, where they became the subject of worshipful reverence, often serving as the focal points of Buddhist monasteries.

In time, Mahayana Buddhist iconography incorporated many more obvious characteristics of divinity into representations of the Buddha -- perhaps in order to compete with the images of Hindu deities. A halo-like aureole often surrounded the Buddha's head. Flamelike projections sprang from his shoulders, and streams of water flowed from his feet, recalling the miracle at Sravasti which had made manifest the Buddha's transcendent power in the face of those who doubted him. Wheel-like chakras appeared on his palms, and on the soles of his feet.

Who ever follow the Religion of Noah /Abraham / Issac /Jacob /Joseph /David / Solmon / Mosses / JESUS / Muhammed /[peace be up on them all] what was their Religion ? Their Religion Was Islam .which was the CHOSEN RELIGION OF GOD AL MIGHTY?
READ THE BIBLE AND most important THE holy Quran is the last revealations from God Al mighty , for the guidance of whole of Mankind . so follow the True Religion , www.islamguide.com .www.iiie.net.com /
we need to search for the true Religion, www.alquran. all other so called religions are not corrupted ?
- Abdul Noor

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I have to say I respect all religions but I frown on those that fight and kill in the name of GOD. I believe that there was a number of teachers put on this earth to teach but the word (which ever one you decide to follow) was properly understood. Buddhism teaches to respect, love and take control of your life. With out having a middle man. If you believe that you can accomplish something, then you can. If you think you can not then that's true as well either way you are right. What I am saying is that all of the great SAGE'S were teaching the same thing, but only a few were listening and a lot of people were mislead. All of the teachings are great... just find one that's works for you.
- buddhismdailypratice

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Oh, and to Billy Jesus wasn't greedy his followers were.
- buddhisndailypractice

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Eldin that was nicely put. The true pratice of BUDDHISM is not praying to a buddha.
- buddhismdailypratice

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Compared to religions such as Christianity and Islam, Buddhism is more of a way of teachings and practices such meditations, and the means of changing oneself in order to develop the qualities of consciousness, kindness, and knowledge. What particularly interests me is that Buddhism teaches how to overcome suffering by yourself, after you have a clear understanding of the teachings of the Buddha. It does not focus on God helping you overcome your suffering or God being the cause, but in the contrary oneself being the only cause for everything good and evil.
--This is basically what Buddhist is, it's simple
- Eldin

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it was long so i got bored but the start was cool
- girl

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hey man I am on bored with you in complete form I was raised pentecostal and I just recently converted to buddhism.. I like how you brought up how jesus is greedy and stuff..
that was always my biggest problem with him he was all to angry and violent so god should be that way.
I'm turned from that and pray to my buddah every morning and night.
- Billy

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I'm very interested in learning more about the teachings of buddah please email me back..
- billy

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The article was confussing to understand. I was visiting this site because I have recently met a Buddist whom said Budda and Jesus were the same thing. She tried to explain what he did but her English isn't the greatest, which she said, so I thought I would find out myself. This article doesn't really explain it to me. Do Buddists follow a bible? What year was Budda's teachings taught? I am a Christian and Christianity is not a religion it is having a relationship with Jesus. It is hard for me to understand Buddhism. Jesus's teachings seem they were similar to Budda's, but Jesus knew when he was a baby why he was born. He knew he was God's son. Did Budda know who he was when he was born? Is the calendar made around Budda's life or Jesus's? Jesus knew his mission, he knew he would have to teach the truth to as many people that he could so that they could have eternal life in Heavan with his Father. He loved everyone one of us so much that he knew he would die a slow and painful death for all of us nailed to the cross and he continued to be kind and loving to everyone he knew. He took the pain of being nailed to the cross for so long, breaking his bones, think about how he must have sufferend for all of us! He loved all of us then, and loves us all now. Perhaps God sent Budda to the people to help them to be kind. Perhaps Budda didn't know about God or Jesus when he gave his teachings? We don't know this, at least I don't think we do. God has every hair on our heads numbered. He knows all of us more than we know ourselves. Perhaps Budda was teaching us to clear our mind so that we could hear what the Holly Spirit has to say. There are a lot of bigger things going on in the world today than we know of. Bigger spiritual baddles than we could even imagine. The Devil is taunting us all the time and God is always there to prove him wrong, if we would just let him come into our lives. And don't you think it is VERY strange that EVERYONE beleives in the Devil and Hell but not everyone beleives in God! That is so wrong of us, we are letting the Devil win, he is sitting back in pure extasy over all the different religions and teachings. He is winning over this earth and until we all come together and read the word of the Lord and make the Lord our main priority in our lives, he will continue to to win and I don't think ANY of us want that - I don't want to swim in the lake of fire, do you??? Just remember God can hear our thoughts, he knows our hearts, if we know the truth and choice to ignore it, shame on us. I believe that God will not judge the ones who do not know the truth if they were never told it. Also, Satan can not hear our thoughts but can put thoughts into our heads.
- CJK

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Gloria Mcnelly, have you not seen the poor ethics that America currently exhibits. you can see it daily in the newspapers, on tv...etc. let's see, there's the daily murder, the usual rape, the swearing, cussing,casual sex... do I need to say more? America, without Christian morals, would become a new Soddom and Gamorah. Is it not the Bible who says 'Thou shalt not kill', or, thou shall not steal nor covet thy neighbor or treat thy neighbor as you would want to be treated. But these virtues are clearly lost when seen on tv or the cinema. Plus, ever since all signs of Christianity were not to be seen in shool, the rate of teenage pregnancies have risen to what, once, was thought improbable. Do you get the point? I hope so. I hope there is a Christian revival.
- Jesusistheway

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email me i want to know more

- irene santiago

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Buddhism is the way to find a true calling in life and become truely enlightened.
- John

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Buddhism is not just a religion it is a way of life.
- Tei len

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America might have been based on Christian ideals when it was founded.But has since evolved. Now Christianity is the major religion,not the basis. (i.e.. Laws that do not coincide with Christian ideals are becoming more popular. Thank MY god!!) What in the f-ck does ANY religion have to do with the prosperity of the U.S.? (again look at history,since when does war= prosperity?) In my opinion, The road was paved before Christopher Columbus ever arrived! And America and all other nations would be better off if religion never would've come to exist. Think about it And without feeling as though you've lost or betrayed your god (if you can.) The nation that protects Isreal will prosper? Is that supposed to isinuate that the U.S. is going to do that? Have you seen some of the descisions U.S. leaders have been making lately? What are we going to protect them from piece? Josh Nelson Your attempt at selling us on your religion reminds me of when I bought my piece of s--t Camry!
- Gloria Mcnelly (CANNONBALLS@comcast.net)

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Boy. Some of you Christians are about the stupidest, most closed minded people on eARTH. It is sad to read people who speak so ignorantly and who are so intolerant of others.

I love the Christians who are Pro Life but who love war and the death penalty. you really are sick hypocrites, way too stupid to understand a profound and beautiful religion like Buddhism.

boy are you dumb!!!
- Barbara

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dont worry we are all going to be judged befor we go to hevean from god so dont worry

P.S God loves you all

- bryson

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I read the article and found righteousness in the story of buddah. Buddah learnt patience in many ways and in many worlds. He learnt and taught about humility and love. JESUS is the LAMB of God, he is also however the LORD of LORDS and KING of KINGS. I do not judge or stand to judge for the GREAT PRINCE of PEACE the WORD OF GOD DIPPED IN BLOOD but my humble opinon is that I pray and hope that Buddah is now within Zion the Kingdom of Heaven with JESUS. Because Buddah was not evil.

Love
Bryan (its my girlfriends e-mail address if you want to tell her about the Gospel, I believe that beautiful woman preaches it all over the orient)
- I died and meet buddah

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Thanks for this article, the pictures are truly inspiring and as a christian myself i can say that all religions are meant to bring peace and happiness, something more to life and anyone who feels that they can openly critisise another religion so harshly isn't a real member of any religion, thanks again.
- anonymous

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i wanrted dto no a day of a life of a buddah

- emmma

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excelente!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- raul

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i am offended by what some of the people said about Lord Buddha and his teachings.

I was a catholic for 11 years of my life and i wasn't happy or compassionate. When I converted to Buddhism when I was 12 almost 13 it was like i found part of me that was missing. When I told the people at my school, it was if i had threatened someone(i live in the bible belt). BUDDHISM IS A RELIGON ,RONNIE, and for what some of the people said about us not being "saved", salvation is not physical it is a state of our mind because happiness(salvation) is dependant,it can be controled,it is from within not from a god, or even a Buddha.
And I am an open minded person but it is good for all to be mindful so as not to make mistakes. 2 things to think about;
1) all though u christians always talk about how your saved you still are not perfect and can treat others badly, just like lay buddhists, and hindus and so on, yet the people at my school always say "well, i'm not perfect,only god is." but i've read the bible before(when i was a christian) and it talks about how your god killed those at those 2 cities, got angry, and will "smite" at the end of time those who weren't loyal! he sounds greedy and angry!sounds like he is unenlightened to me.

2) didn't jesus tell you to love and exept? i know Lord Buddha and Arya Tara told me to love every being more than a mother for her only child no matter what.

i don't mean to come across as a christianity-smiting person, i'm not, my parents are christians, i just want people to realize that just because you don't agree with something, doesn't make it untrue! all i know is that buddhism as been making people happy for 2,500 years and no one as the right to take that away from anyone.

hats of to Quynh Nguyen
compassion and sorrow for ronnie



for the benefet of all sentient beings,
love,compassion,and wisdom


ps this is a great articule, very indepth, i though the tibetan form is much more appealing to me.
- Robbie

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You guys have got to be kidding! i am doing a report in school on Buddhism u people got it all wrong. christianinty is a free way to heaven and i don't know what u people say about that. and also jesus and buddha are not brothers who ever wrote that gots problems there may be many gods in ur eyes but there is only one true God.
- Nikki

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id have to say that this article clearly illustrates that Buddhism is a way of life rather than a full-blown religion.
i was born and raised Baptist. I attended non-denominational Christian churches for several years and I believe in the Virgin Birth, the Resurrection and the Crucifixion.
I havent attended church in a couple of years now but that doesnt mean that I dont believe and that i dont have faith. I just havent found the exact mixture of what I am seeking out.
I think after seeing two friends live the buddhist "lifestyle" and reading this article....I think Im safe to say that I am a Buddhist-Christian. a laid-back peaceful child of God. A disciple to The only and one true king, Jesus Christ.

Seeking out Truth
Rob
- wwjd

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My heartaches for u people say what religion is good.i pray to god that you will find jesus(the truth)and buddha to guide you to the truth. to nirvana (heaven)jesus says"god is in me,i am in god,you are in me,as you are in god,so that all would be one"(oneness) in buddhist the universal law"there is no remainder in the mathmatic of infinity.(the oneness)
jesus"you will know the truth,and the truth will make you free"buddha "one who acts on truth is happy in this world and beyond"jesus"everyone who believes in me will never die"buddha "those who have sufficient faith in me,sufficient love for me,are all headed for heaven or beyond"
GOOD..... the truth
the way to heaven(nirvana)"blessed are the pure in heart,for they will see GOD"jesus in matthew 5.8.
"anyone who withdrawa into meditation on compassion can see brahma with his own eyes,talk to him face to face and consult with him"buddha, digha nikaya 19.43
GOD,BRAHMA,UNIVERSE,ALLAH....JESUSBUDDHA,MOHAMMED....HEAVEN,NIRVANA all one all part of the truth, the oneness.the GOOD
but evil,hell. that is what u should be against.jesus says"i say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister you will be liable to judgement: and if you insult a brother or sister,you will be liable to the council,and if you say,"you fool"you will be liable to the hell of fire"and buddha"here,student,some man is of an angry and irritalbe character:when criticised even a little, he is offended, becomes angry, hostle, and resentful, and displays anger,hate ,and bitternes,because of performing and undertaking such action,after death,he reappears in a state of deprivation,in an unhappy destination,in perdition, even in hell."
heaven and hell is here with us it is up to u to pick one, no one can tell you.
buddha help me find jesus,jesus made me love buddha.everyday my heart is full with their joy.i am just so sad to see you people still debating on who's right.THEY ARE BOTH RIGHT BECAUSE THEY R BOTH FOR GOOD.please pll for your sake,for the love of god reach way more deeper into your hearts and there you will find jesus and buddha as brothers........
- princezencire

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Amithaba
- lim

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Hey Ronnie, there's one more person to pick on you. That's me. Show some respect to other religions, will you. I'm a Buddhist, and dude, I'm pissed at what you wrote here. Let me tell you. Just the other day, I was walking on campus, and a guy and two girls stopped and wanted to know if they could ask me a question. I said, "Please go ahead." They asked,"Are you sure you'd go to heaven if you died today?" I said, "Yes." They said, "Why?" I said, "Because I didn't do bad things." They went on to explain that I could only saved through Jesus. I told them I really respected Christians and their beliefs, but at that moment, my belief was (it still is) in the teachings of Buddha's. I said that I agreed that some Christian teachings which basically also tell you to be good. The guy said, "Well, a lot of people already said that, and other religions say that too, but you have to believe in Jesus to be saved." He was pushing like that for ten minutes. And I told him, "Sorry, I gotta go." And he said God'd forgive me. If I hadn't been a Buddhist at the time, I could've beat up that guy (I was violent before becoming a Buddhist). Who is he to judge me and my religion? I didn't judge his religion. What proof can he show that only Christians are saved? Other Christians, please don't misunderstand me. But I believe if forgiving is generous as many believe as long as they believed in Jesus they'd be saved. If so, those who have screwed up will keep screwing up. And with the belief that people can only be saved through Jesus, Christians themselves have separated themselves from others thinking that they are on a higher level than others. But Christianity teach people to be humble. How can you reconcile this difference? I totally agree with Melissa saying that as long as people are good they should be given space in heaven. With that said, I just wanted to tell Ronnie that by not showing any respect to other religions he himself will be damned.
- Quynh Nguyen

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When I was small until now, I just know how to pray to God only. After I read Buddha's article and teaching, I understand that Buddism is a way of life. I really enjoy this article as it tells the journey of Buddha's life. Thank you for the sharing of this article.
- C.H.Tan

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pls advise where to get the book for

"purpose_driven_Life which i wish to

read.

thanks/redgs

- angie ng

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so much interest to know about buddha

and like to be your friend also

thanks n reds
- angie ng

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no matter what ronnie thinks but matters what only i who reads this

Share this matter for matter is now
- TJP

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Buddhism is a wonderful religion which promotes peace, compassion and wisdom wherever it goes. Christians who condemn it have no idea of its teachings. The Buddha said that his teachings can be summarised as "Avoid evil, Do good, and Purify the Mind". Buddhism is the only religion that speaks of purifying our minds - the source of all the world's misery. By contrast, most religions are just tribal myths that became estalished worldwide through quirks of history. If you take an objective and deeper look at Buddhism, you'll find so much wisdom and joy, it'll eradicate the prejudices ingrained into you by your pastors.
- Pilgrim

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Thank you
- patrick

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TRy going to library to bollow book about Buddhist
Actually you no need to become a buddhist to be buddhist.
Just follow its teaching and understand what buddah teaching is all about

- usuls

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There is no God. Christians use religion the way I use alcohol. Buddism thus makes much more sense.
- Awake

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I THINK THAT KIM HAS AN AWESOME POINT. BUDDHISM IS NOT FOLLOWING THE BIBLE AND ITS WORD.GOD IS THE ALMIGHTY ONE, AND I THINK BUDDHISTS ARE UN-GODLY AND UPRIGHT APALLING TO BELIEVE IN WHAT I CONSIDER NONSENSE. NOT TO BE RUDE, BUT ANY ONE WHO READS THIS REVIEW SHOULD CHECK OUT THE BOOK CALLED THE "PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE". IT EXPLAINS SOME OTHER POINTS OF VIEW THAT ARE SOMEWHAT SIMILAR TO THE 4 NOBLE TRUTHS AND THE EIGHT-FOLD PATHS. PLEASE READ IT, AND FEEL FREE TO SHARE IT WITH OTHERS.THANK YOU!
- COOLCHRISTIAN16

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I loved reading this article-- It not only helped me on my homework, but also helped me be more knowledgable about a religion other than my own. I'm an avid lover of both religion and art, and this title caught me.

I don't understand how people can be so discriminatory (reference to Ronnie)-- In fact, a lot of people think that Buddhism isn't a religion at all. It's more of a way of life. I have deep respect for Buddhists. If I weren't confirmed already, I would seriously think about becoming one. I think anything that promotes peace is a wonderful thing.
- Melissa

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And Kim, Buddhism does not concentrate on whether or not there is God. To many, it is not a religion, but a way of life-- The Buddha even specifically told others not to worship him, though some do. He does not claim to be a messiah or a reincarnation of God of any kind, though Hinduism did absorb Buddhism by making The Buddha a reincarnation of God (All Hindu gods and goddesses are representations of a one, ominescent power, if I am correct.)
It is also against the word of God to be discriminatory. He is a God of love and mercy. Buddhists focus on peace and justice as well, and if they truly do live life with upright morals, then there should be no reason that they should be denied heaven. Are you against Jews, Muslims, and Hindus as well, because they do not believe in Jesus?
As I've said, Buddhism is more a way of life-- It is really up to the individual to decide whether or not God exists, and whether they will believe in him. I think it's wonderful that this man has decided to be baptized a Christian through choice of his own, and that his thinking is right on target. Love all man, respect everybody's beliefs, and don't discriminate. I believe that all religions are a path to God (with some exceptions, because there are some which blatantly reject him, i.e. Satanism).

You are the ones concentrating on sins, and what you see as sins. You're judging-- Don't. I was born and raised Christian (Catholic, if you want to know), and I am very proud of my faith, but I have the utmost respect for the beliefs of others.
If you don't, keep it to yourself. It's really not your job to judge, and no one cares to hear your tell them that-- You are not going to convert anybody through this way. I'm sorry to say it, but it's the truth.
- Melissa

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NOTE TO EVERYBODY WHO THINKS THAT BUDDHISTS NEED SAVING-- AND I'M SAYING THIS FOR THE LAST TIME--

BUDDHISTS DO NOT WORSHIP THE BUDDHA.

'BUDDHA' IS MERELY A TITLE, MEANING, 'THE ENLIGHTENED ONE,' AND IS THE MAN WHO BROUGHT BUDDHISM TO THE WORLD. HE SPECIFICALLY TOLD PEOPLE NOT TO WORSHIP HIM, THOUGH SOME MAY.

FYI, I AM NOT A BUDDHIST. I AM CHRISTIAN, BUT THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY RESPECT FOR ALL OTHER RELIGIONS. I BELIEVE THAT IF THEY ARE JUST AND PEACEFUL, THEY SHOULD NOT BE DENIED HEAVEN.

IT'S NOT A RELIGION, BUT A WAY OF LIFE. IT'S THE INDIVIDUAL'S CHOICE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND BELIEVE IN A GOD.

I'm really sad that I had to capitalize that, but certain people I've read comments from sound very ignorant when their comments are read. Don't think I'm trying to start a fiery, heated debate-- I'm just trying to point out some facts that my fellow Christians don't seem to understand, and can't get past.

DON'T BE DISCRIMINATORY! GOD LOVES EVERYONE, TOO.
- Melissa (split_jester@yahoo.com)

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i'm still not understanding all the comotion re: Ronnies' article, i woudn't because i didn't read it, but from reading all of the remarks regarding it i'm guessing this Ronnie person isn't open minded, Christianity teaches us to love thy neighbor, not to despise them or ridicule them on how/what to believe in there own lives, that is the key word, THERE own lives, whomever you pray to is your own will, again, we were put on this earth to have our own free will, that means free will to religous beliefs, sexually preferances, chosing between good and bad, FREE WILL TO ALL MAN... if God put us on this earth to think exactly the same Ronnie, we would be Robots,nothing else but Robots, Open your heart to those you look down to so much, open your mind in all the possibilities there are in our world and worlds we don't know of. Know that i have free will, and you have free will , thats why we're able to speak our mind, and believe what ever it is that we believe in, HEY RONNIE, give praise that we at least believe in something, even though it may not be your God, my GOd, but at least we believe in GOD, BUDDHA, and all those other GODS out there. May Buddha be with you, May God always be with you, I pray that you find peace within yourself. God Bless.
- May

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Hi, i'm Livia from Hungary.
Please , send me email ,if you are interested in the Buddha and the Buddhism , and if you want a friend.I'm very interested in this religion! :)
- Livia

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AMERICA WAS BASED ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, NOT CHRISTIANITY. JOSH
- LB

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To anybody who needs the truth. Buddhism is certainly not a religion for it was meant to worship Siddharta. It is a philosophy, Buddha's teaching to a path from this sea of suffering and wheel of never ending pain. This "religion" is contained in any religion that is good natured, that was meant to open people's hearts to the potential of attaining enlightenment. It does not matter if you are a Christian, Jew, Islamic or even a Wicken, all were created to lift the human spirit out of this ocean of sickness and ignorance. The only difference is that buddhism goes into details about this newfound path to freedom. Unfortunately, most of the scripts that was written by the disciples of the buddha 30 years after his death is not easy to grasp even by the dahli lama himself! Unlike Jesus but like the prophet Muhammad however, the last buddha, Gautama, did not claimed to be God but firmly stated that he was just a regular humans. Being a buddhist myself, I strongly disagree about how some tharavatan buddhists treat buddha as a diety or even worship buddha. I am truly glad to rediscovery this lost inspiration that has been found by this article. The pics were truly inspirational. I sincerely feel much pity and sorrow for ignorant ones who deny the truth in the palm of buddha that is right befor their foolish faces (ronnie).
- Phung

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Andy, First of all lets establish the Jesus you are talking about. Is this the Jesus that was a good man, a prophet or the Jesus of the bible that claims to be God and claims to be the only way to heaven? John14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." God plainly tells us in the ten commandments Exo20:3 & Deu5:7, "You shall have other gods before me", Chr19:26 "For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Another point I want to make Romans3:10 "There is no one righteous, not even one; Romans 3:21"But now a righteousness from God apart from law, has been made known,to which the Law and the Prophets testitfy. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood". I think it is pretty obvious that although you claim "baptism into Christianity" you have been misled. Baptism is done out of obedience to God and to show the world you identify yourself with Christ through his death, burial and ressurection. You have died to yourself and you now have a new nature in Christ. In other words, you have been born again. I don't think this is what happened with you because your words definitely do not line up with the word of God. I pray you will pick up your bible and reexamine The Truth which comes only from God. As for concentrating on the sins of the world, it is just indicative of the world turning away from God and doing their own thing. All the more reason to make up your mind on whether you are for God or against God. You won't have a another chance once God decides your time is up. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life John3:16. John12:44 "when a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. As for the person who hears my words, but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say". I think this verse speaks for itself. I pray that God will open your heart and mind to recieving Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. If you have any questions feel free to write back. Christ commanded all of us to go spread the good news and this indeed is the best news you will ever hear for all eternity.
- kim

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Aloha: First of all, I am on this website because I have a Buddist friend that I need to witness to and help and I really did not know the real history behind the belief of Buddah so this is why I am on this website. I am a firm believer of Jesus Christ- The only and one true King!! He is the alpha and the omega -- the beginning and the end.
Going through some of these comments, it really grieved me to see a lot of you pick on Ronnie who is trying to defend his christian faith....
There is only one God...God Almighty who created the heaven and the earth - spoke it into existance. Because there was so much sin in the world he had to send his son Jesus Christ born of a Virgin to come to earth to save mankind from sin...And he did
Read the Holy Bible KJV --there is only one bible...
Jesus came to earth and healed the sick gave hope to the poor and even cast out devils...
He died for me and he died for each and every one of you. Upon his back in Galgothia (Calvery) every stripe he took upon his back was for our sins so that man could be reconciled again with the Father...
Please all of you, I know that Buddah was a good man and a man of peace but God said that we are to worship him alone and no other...
Jesus paid the price so that when we die and face the father in heaven...he will say well done my faithfull servent, enter into thy rest...
But to those who worship other Gods there will be no mercy
You will be cast into the lake of fire...
Open your eyes, open your hearts to the one true God and repent that Christ may save you from the wages of Sin.
Love you all and always remember Jesus paid the price and defeated the devil so the devil cannot distort your minds into thinking of these false religions that will cause you to be distracted.
2 Peter 2:20 By his stripes you are healed. If you have never heard the story of what Jesus did for you and continually do for you...Go and see the movie the Passion and see for yourself.
It was even worst than the movie but that is the best and the closest that the media will come to it.
God said in John 3:16 For GOD so LOVED the world (that is you and I) that he gave his only begotton son that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life...

Love you brothers and sisters in Christ
**Find the truth*** Winnie
- Winnie

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Thank you for the inspiration on my journey to inner peace. I truly enjoyed this article.
- Julie (Julies2570@aol.com)

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i think that people do not give buddhism enught credit. i think that it is a very interesting thing to learn. in my history class we are learning about it and i can't get enough of it. what youare doing is really great.
- Veela

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It is good to know there are people who are interested in keeping a "check" on themselves, their own behavior, this is the challenge.
- iris

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great story, could have used more of his teachings though.
I personally never judged the prophets, only the biblical authors who use them to bend the truth to get there way; power, riches, power over races, sexes, religions and power in numbers.
I am a buddhist, and i respect and listen to all the teaching of our worlds religions. the buddah means the inlightended one, the one who elimenates all want and desire in order for enlightenment. In the hindu religion, instead of inlightenment you get a boun (not how its spelled), a villian once stood in a medition for 3 years (grew moss on him) and he basically got a wish (he wished for power).

- josh

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Noy I like what u had 2 say about buddha and ronnie need 2koolit
- D

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I enjoy reading the story of Buddha - It brings calm to the soul and renewed energy to face the world and do what is right and good. It should be respected and held high in this troubled world we all live in.
- Jude (beadkween@aol.com)

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