The life of Buddha

The Search

As a seeker after what is good (kim kusalagavèsi) searching for the unsurpassed peaceful state most excellent, he approached Àlàra kàlàma an ascetic of repute, and speedily learnt his doctrine and developed the seventh arùpa Jhàna, the Realm of nothingness, (Àkincaññàyatana), an advanced stage of concentration.

The unenvious teacher, delighted to hear of the success of his distinguished pupil, honored him by placing him on a level with himself and admiringly said:-

“Happy, friend, are we; yea, extremely happy, in that we look up to a respected ascetic like you! The doctrine which I know, that also do you know; and the doctrine which you know; that I know and. As I am, so are you, so am I. come, friend, let both of us lead the company of ascetics.”

The ascetic Gòtama was not satisfied with mere mental concentration and an ordinary system, which did not lead to Nibbàna. Dissatisfied with kàlàma’s system, he left him, and approached one uddakà Ràmaputta, who readily admitted him as a pupil.

Before long the intelligent ascetic gòtamamastered his doctrine and attained the final stage of mental concentration, the real of neither perception nor non – perception – Nèva saññànàsaññyatana. This is the highest stage in worldly concentration when consciousness becomes so subtle and refine that it cannot. Ancient sages could not proceed any further in mental development.

His teacher then honored the ascetic Gòtama further by inviting him to take full charge of all disciples as their teacher. He said:-

“Happy, friend, are we; yea, extremely happy in that we see such a venerable acetic as you! The doctrine which Ràma knew. As was Ràma, so are you; as you are, so was Ràma. Come, friend, henceforth you shall lead this company of ascetics.”

Still he felt that his quest of life was not achieved. He was seeking Nibbàna, the complete cessation of suffering. Dissatisfied with Ràmaputta’s system too, he departed. 

He found that nobody was competent to teach him what he sought as all were enmeshed in ignorance. He gave up seeking external help, for truth and peace are to be found within.

His struggle for enlightenment

Meeting with disappointment bus not discouraged, the ascetic Gòama, seeking for the incomparable state of peace supreme, wandered in the district of Magadha and arrived in due course at uruvela, the market town of sènàni. There he spied a lovey spot of ground, a charming forest grove, a flowing river with pleasant sandy fords, and nearby was a village where he could beg for his food.

The place was congenial for his meditation. The atmosphere was peaceful, the surroundings were pleasant, the scenery charming. He resolved to settle down there alone to archive his desired object.

Hearing of his renunciation kondañña, the youngest Brahmin who predicted his future, and four sons of the other sages – Bhaddiya, Vappa, Mahànàma, and Assaji – also renounced the world, and joined his company.

In ancient India great importance was attached to rites, ceremonies, penances, and sacrifices. It was then a popular belief that no salvation could be gained unless one led a life of strict asceticism. Accordingly for six long years he made super human struggle practicing all forms of severe austerity, with the result that his delicate body was reduced almost to a skeleton. The more he tormented his body, the farther his goal receded from him.

 

Book of: The life of Buddha