Preface
A ncient texts give few details about the life of the sage Gotama, known as the Buddha. Their thousands of pages tell us more about his teaching, this invaluable gem of the East, "Whoever sees the teaching sees me," said the Buddha. To know the Buddha's thought, his teaching, is to know him deeply through his eyes. A few works on the life of the Buddha did appear, however, between the second century BCE and the second century CE. They mainly rely on various accounts passed down by oral tradition and ancient texts. These stories, with their legendary flavor, often present the life of Gotama in a mysterious and magnificent way. Imagine a storyteller of that time recounting the first steps of his noble search for nirvana: "In his part of the world, one could not find more noble parents, a more splendid wife, a more enviable situation or a more spacious home. His father, Suddhodana, is king of the Sakka clan, and his mother is Queen Mahāmāyā. Siddhattha Gotama is a prince, and he is married to the lovely Princess Yaśodharā, daughter of King Dandapani. They live in a magnificent palace, surrounded by numerous servants. "In this climate of wealth and wonder, it is said that even the trials of life are hidden from the eyes of the young prince. And so, at any time of the day, one can see his father keeping away from his eyes such trying realities as old age, illness and death. But one day, intrigued by vast horizons, the prince made a few escapades outside the palace: rendezvous with the usual and the unusual of life, which would cause the scales to fall from his eyes. For the first time. Siddhattha Gotama became aware of four realities that would change his life forever: old age, illness, death and the peace of a smiling monk. "But who is this man, leaning on a stick, who no longer has hair nor teeth? he asks. And what is this reality that you call illness, capable of turning a sun into a cloud? And this motionless body, adorned with flowers, why is it placed on a pyre? What is happening here is beyond comprehension!" Fortunately, Siddhartha also sees a monk passing by, whose serenity questions him deeply, Back home, watching these images unfold in his mind, troubled by the fact that at first sight the world is not as it should be, pondering the peaceful face of the wandering monk, Siddhattha suddenly shifts from dream to reality. At the age of twenty-nine, shortly after the birth of his only son, Rahula, he renounces everything and sets out in search of a peaceful way to end human suffering." There are many legends about the Buddha, some of which undoubtedly reveal certain realities. For example, while the first name Siddhattha (skt. Siddhārtha) is historically uncertain, the last name Gotama (skt. Gautama) is often found in ancient texts. He lived in the fifth century BCE and grew up in the Republic of the Sakka, on the border between India and Nepal, in the foothills of the Himalayas. Historians and archaeologists have confirmed that Gotama enjoyed a certain wealth, but lived a very simple life in the countryside rather than in the city. For his part, Suddhodana, Siddhattha's father, did not have the status of king that the legends ascribe to him, but was probably a very influential wealthy man, who held a high position in public affairs. In the fifth century BCE in India, conflicts berween different clans were numerous. It was the transition from the ancient tribal federations to the monarchy, the economy was being restructured, and there were weapons and cities. Within this social framework, Gotama belonged to the warrior caste. But the Buddha did not like war, and his teaching on nonviolence, while remaining realistic, bears witness to this. Therefore, it is in this tense climate that Gotama will gradually nourish his reflection on suffering, old age, illness, and death. And then, one day, "he will go in search of nirvana, where there is no more suffering, old age, illness or death." Little by little Gotama learns the way. At first, he listens to various schools of wisdom and meditation. Gotama finds in them a fertile ground for the development of his thought; he achieves everything successfully, but he soon has to admit that he cannot find the object of his search within these teachings. At the time, India was well known for its wandering monks, śramana, and this is the path Gotama will now follow. For six years in the Ganges Valley, he will dedicate himself to a life of extreme asceticism. His practice is difficult, and he does not eat his fill. Exhausted, he concludes the answers he seeks are not to be found on this arid path." Now thirty-five years old, Gotama decides to continue his quest by surrounding himself with better conditions. He eats sensibly and gradually regains his strength. Then one day, on the banks of the Nerañjara river near the town of Gaya while meditating under a tree, he finally discovers the object of his noble search. He attains awakening, bodhi, enlightenment, the unparalleled peace of the sublime state. He attains nirvana. Today, this holy place bears the name Bodhinanda, the tree of awakening where the sage Gotama became a Buddha.
About The Book
IN SEARCH OF NIRVANA Buddha's Path in Today's World André Fortier After years devoted to his noble search, the sae Gautama attained awakening, nirvana, and became the Buddha. Wishing to guide humanity toward this ultimate liberation, he proclaimed to his disciples four noble truths and eight practices that lead to nirvana. Anyone, whether Buddhist or not, can explore these extraordinary teachings-and benefit from them. Presented here with great clarity, often through dialogues, the book is both educational and inspirational. It also provides numerous references and allows for reading on multiple levels. This book also offers path to an art of living and includes meditations exercises that are accessible and easy to integrate into daily life. In a conversational and constructive way, In Search of Nirvana gives a voice to the discoveries of eminent scholars of early Buddhism. Rooted in today's world, it addresses essential questions at the individual and societal levels. Readers will come away from this engaging book both optimistic and grateful for Buddhism. In addition to his rich and varied lives experience, André Fortier holds a degree in philosophy and a doctorate in spirituality. In this work, he shares insights from more than a decade of research and practice in Buddhism. The Author's diverse experiences and friendship with people From different cultures and spiritual traditions inspire his thinking.
Art (289)
Biography (239)
Buddha (1969)
Children (95)
Deities (48)
Healing (35)
Hinduism (56)
History (544)
Language & Literature (464)
Mahayana (414)
Mythology (91)
Philosophy (457)
Sacred Sites (115)
Tantric Buddhism (90)
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist