If you are a fan of Buddhism, you may be interested in the tree under which Siddhartha attained enlightenment. The story behind the tree is a fascinating one, and it also serves as a great reminder to be kind and compassionate to others. There are many other stories associated with the tree, too, such as the story of King Bimbisara and Prince Ajatasattu.
King Bimbisara
Bimbisara is a legendary figure of ancient India. He is considered the first royal patron of Gautama Buddha. The legend is based on his generosity and justness of rule. His rule stretched from 544 B.C.E. to 491 B.C.E.
King Bimbisara ruled the Magadha kingdom. His capital was Rajgir, which is today in the modern state of Bihar. He had a number of wives. His first wife was the sister of King Kosala. She brought him Kashi as a dowry.
Bimbisara became friends with Mahavira. In the meantime, he was approached by Siddhartha. The two men agreed to meet and discuss the Buddha. After meeting with the king, he invited Siddhartha to stay in his kingdom. During the stay, he travelled to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha.
Upon their return to Rajagraha, the king greeted the Buddha and his followers. Amrapali, a Vaishali Janpath Kalyani, was the main disciple of the Buddha. They had a son, Ajatasatru. Afterward, Amrapali became very involved in Buddhism and Dhamma.
Prince Ajatasattu
When the Buddha walked the earth, Prince Ajatasattu was the king of the land. He was instigated by the wicked Devadatta Thera. His kingdom was a dynasty of kings. Their chief loyal queen was Vaidehi. She bathed herself in scented water.
While she was doing so, she carried the tiara and had a son. This boy was born on the same day as his father’s death. And he was the first of his kind. It was a sad end to the dynasty, but he was lucky enough to have a mother that was as good as her father.
For all her virtues, Princess Vajra was a uglier version of a yaksha-demon. Her horse-like skin was coarse and straight. But her most impressive feat was her generosity to the people. With her help, the peoples of her kingdom were able to overcome their adversity and turn a corner.
The same could not be said of her son. In fact, he was the least generous of his kin. So much for his good name.
Rebirth as a human being
The first time I heard about the existence of a rebirth as a human being under the tree under which Siddhartha attained enlightenment, I thought that such a thing was the stuff of nightmares and dreams. It turns out that such a nirvana is a real thing. But there’s a catch, not everyone can achieve it.
First, you must have the requisite skill set. Next, you must have the right mindset. And finally, you must get out there and do it. For this last task, you’ll need the help of a seasoned guide. We’re talking about a man of the cloth here, and a master at the requisite trades. Besides, you’ll also have to contend with the plethora of pitfalls and mishaps that come with being a human being. So, it’s a good idea to consult with your spiritual guide before embarking on such a venture.
Aside from the obvious, such a feat requires the requisite discipline and a little luck. One must also be careful not to overcomplicate matters, especially in the area of acquainting oneself with one’s new surroundings.
Buddha Sakyamuni
Shakyamuni Buddha is a sage who lived in India in the sixth century B.C.E. He is regarded as the founder of Buddhism. A statue of him is placed at the site where he attained enlightenment.
His birthday is a full moon day in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. It is called “Buddha Purnima” in these countries. The celebration of his birth is widely celebrated in the Theravada religions.
Before he attained enlightenment, Buddha taught a number of sermons. His first was in the Deer Park at Benares, near Varanasi. In his subsequent teachings, he taught the Middle Way between sensual indulgence and severe asceticism.
At the age of 35, Buddha achieved a Great Enlightenment. His relics are enshrined in seven stupas.
After his enlightenment, Buddha was able to see the past and the future. He also gained the power to see the rebirth, death, and former lives of people. Although his powers were used to influence other people, he did not use them to gain power over others.
