Buddha's Footprints: Buddhism in Ancient and Medieval Asia

By Oriental Publishing

"Buddha's Footprints: Buddhism in Ancient and Medieval Asia" is a comprehensive exploration of Buddhism's origins and its profound impact across Asia. The book begins with Siddhartha Gautama's journey to enlightenment, setting the foundation for the birth of Buddhism. It then chronicles the early expansion of the Dharma across the continent, highlighting the establishment and evolution of the Buddhist Sangha. Diverse traditions such as Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana are examined, showcasing the rich variety within Buddhism. The final chapter delves into the influence of Buddhism in medieval Asia, particularly its contributions to art, culture, and its spread to East Asia.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oriental Publishing
• Release date: May 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227406866

Book preview

Buddha's Footprints: Buddhism in Ancient and Medieval Asia

Oriental Publishing

Published by Oriental Publishing, 2024.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

BUDDHA'S FOOTPRINTS: BUDDHISM IN ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL ASIA

First edition. May 29, 2024.

Copyright © 2024 Oriental Publishing.

Written by Oriental Publishing.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Buddha's Footprints: Buddhism in Ancient and Medieval Asia

Chapter 1: The Birth of Buddhism: Siddhartha's Journey to Enlightenment

Chapter 2: Spread of the Dharma: Early Expansion of Buddhism in Asia

Chapter 3: Monastic Life and Buddhist Sangha

Chapter 4: Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana: Diversity in Buddhist Traditions

Chapter 5: Buddhism in Medieval Asia: Art, Culture, and the Spread to East Asia

Also By Oriental Publishing

Buddha's Footprints: Buddhism in Ancient and Medieval Asia

Chapter 1: The Birth of Buddhism: Siddhartha's Journey to Enlightenment

Chapter 2: Spread of the Dharma: Early Expansion of Buddhism in Asia

Chapter 3: Monastic Life and Buddhist Sangha

Chapter 4: Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana: Diversity in Buddhist Traditions

Chapter 5: Buddhism in Medieval Asia: Art, Culture, and the Spread to East Asia

Chapter 1: The Birth of Buddhism: Siddhartha's Journey to Enlightenment

Siddhartha Gautama , the historical Buddha, was born in Lumbini, present-day Nepal, around 563 BCE. His birth was accompanied by miraculous signs, according to legend. His mother, Queen Maya, dreamt of a white elephant entering her womb, a dream interpreted as a symbol of the child's future greatness. Siddhartha's father, King Suddhodana, sought to protect him from the harsh realities of the world, sheltering him in opulence within the palace walls.

Siddhartha's early life was marked by luxury and seclusion. He was shielded from the suffering and hardships that plagued the outside world. As he grew older, the young prince became curious about life beyond the palace walls. Despite his father's efforts to keep him within the royal confines, Siddhartha ventured out, encountering the harsh realities of human existence. He witnessed old age, sickness, and death for the first time, prompting him to question the purpose and meaning of life.

These encounters served as a catalyst for Siddhartha's inner quest for understanding and enlightenment. At the age of 29, he made a life-altering decision to renounce his princely lifestyle and set out in search of spiritual truth. He left behind his family, including his wife and newborn son, and embraced the life of an ascetic, joining a group of wandering mendicants.

Siddhartha's journey as an ascetic was marked by extreme self-mortification and austerity. He subjected himself to severe physical hardships, believing that such practices would lead him to spiritual enlightenment. However, despite his efforts, he found that extreme asceticism did not provide the answers he sought. Realizing the limitations of this path, Siddhartha abandoned his ascetic practices and sought a middle way between extreme self-indulgence and self-mortification.

Under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Siddhartha resolved to meditate until he attained enlightenment. This period of intense meditation lasted for 49 days, during which he faced and conquered numerous inner challenges. On the night of the full moon in May, Siddhartha experienced a profound awakening, reaching a state of enlightenment that transcended the cycle of birth and death. This moment marked the birth of the Buddha, the awakened one.

During his enlightenment, Siddhartha gained insight into the nature of suffering, its origins, and the path to liberation from it. This understanding formed the foundation of the Four Noble Truths, which became central to Buddhist teachings. The First Noble Truth acknowledges the existence of suffering, the Second identifies the causes of suffering as craving and attachment, the Third presents the possibility of cessation of suffering, and the Fourth outlines the Eightfold Path as the way to achieve liberation from suffering.

The Eightfold Path, often considered the practical guide to living a life in accordance with Buddhist principles, consists of right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. These elements collectively form the path to end suffering and attain enlightenment.

Following his enlightenment, the Buddha spent the next 45 years of his life teaching the Dharma, the universal truth he had discovered, to a diverse range of people. His teachings were not confined to a particular caste or social group, emphasizing the universality of his insights.