The Origin of Buddhism
Good afternoon everyone. My name isLynn唧取，today I want to talk about history,? but not Chinese history.? I'd like to start with a story about a man who was the greatest and the most relevant to China in Ancient Indian civilization.?
He was Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism.But please remember,I’ m talking about him from the views of culture and real history,not from a religious view.
Sakyamuni was the prince of the kingdom of kapilavastu in Ancient India.His original name was Gautama Siddhartha. His country was in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, geographically, in present-day Nepal.He was born in about 565 BC and died in about 486 BC. He and Confucius were in the same period.
When he was just born, he could walk and speak. He said, and I quote, “In the whole world,I am the only honourable man.” His mother died when he was seven days old.When he was young,lots of prophets said he might become a monk,so his father was very worry about it.His father gave him the best education,so he became proficient in many things, and even good at archery.
His father was worried about his leaving home, so he trained him to govern the country,and arranged for him to meet beautiful girls.But he cared more about society and nature.He got married when he was 17,later he got a son,but he became more depression than before.
The king arranged travelling for him, and wanted him to became happier. But during the journey, He saw the old, the sick and the dead. Finally, he couldn't bear it, and decided to have his hair cut and became a monk. He wondered the true meaning of life. His father sent five men with him.
Firstly, he consulted all the learned people in the whole country,but he didn’t get the answer.After that,he decided to penance himself, such as sleeping on thorns and holding breath.In the end,he only ate one grain for each day,so he became very sick.Please look at this picture.But,he still couldn’t get the answer.After 6 years, he was almost dead, and he decided to give up penance. He returned alive after he was supported by a shepherdess.
Then he came to sit under the linden tree and finally realized the truth.And after thinking for another 21 days, he talked to the 5 mates about Buddhism in the place named Sarnath.At this very moment, Buddhism was established.
Throughout his life, he preached Buddhism to the world.Finally,He reached nirvana at the age of 80.
Sakyamuni, as a true historical figure,was one of the greatest philosophers in the world. He made great contributions to world culture and the human spirit of the world. He was not only the founder of Buddhism, but also the most outstanding representative of ancient Indian culture.
That’s all for my speech.
thank you!
