Siddhartha Guatama was born a prince, but one of the sages present at his birth predicted greatness that would surpass any regal power. He was sure that Siddhartha would attain 'supreme knowledge', that is, become a Buddha.
Married at sixteen, the young prince resided in the royal court of his father until he was in his late twenties, when his wife bore him a son. Up until this time, Siddhartha had lived a protected existence within palace walls, but he began to take notice of the general population and their lowly state of poverty, sickness, and ultimately, death. He saw the truth behind human existence - and was shocked - at how little control people had over their fates.
Siddhartha left the palace, left his family behind, and became a wandering ascetic and disciple of various Hindu teachers. He even attracted a few disciples himself. But after years of searching and self-denial, he became disillusioned by the path he was on, and gave up the ascetic life. Consequently, his disciples gave up on him, yet Siddartha kept meditating. The year was 528 BC, and the place was under the Bodhi tree in northern India, when Siddhartha experienced his 'awakening'. He woke up to the nature of reality and realized that there is an answer to endless suffering. Gathering his former disciples around him, the new Buddha instructed them in the foundation of what would become Buddhism.
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