Gautam Buddha - The Originator of Buddhism

The word 'Buddha' is a title and not a name in itself. It means 'one who is awake' (in the sense of having 'woken up to reality'). The title was given to Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in Lumbini (Nepal), approximately 2,500 years ago. He did not claim to be a God and he has never been regarded as such by Buddhists. He was a human being who became Enlightened, understanding life in the deepest way possible.

Gautam BuddhaSiddhartha was born into the royal family of a small kingdom, on the Indian-Nepalese border. According to the traditional story, he had a cloistered upbringing, but was jolted out of complacency when he encountered the harsh realities of life, such as old age, sickness and death.

He left His home in search of the real meaning of life. He practiced meditation under various teachers and then took to asceticism. The rigorous asceticism that He followed virtually led Him to the verge of death. But, true understanding seemed as far away to Him as ever and eventually, He abandoned this path. He sat down beneath a pipal tree and vowed that "flesh may wither, blood may dry up, but I shall not rise from this spot until Enlightenment has been won". After forty days, the Buddha finally attained Enlightenment.

Buddhists believe that He attained a state of being that goes beyond anything else in the world. If normal experience is based on conditions - upbringing, psychology, opinions, perceptions, and so on - Enlightenment is Unconditioned. It was a state in which the Buddha gained insight into the deepest workings of life and therefore, into the cause of human suffering, the problem that had set Him on His spiritual quest in the first place.

During the remaining 45 years of His life, he traveled through much of northern India, teaching the way to Enlightenment to others. The teaching is known as the Buddha-dharma - 'the teaching of the Enlightened One', in the East. Traveling from place to place, the Buddha taught numerous disciples, who gained Enlightenment in their own right. They, in turn, taught others and in this way, an unbroken chain of teaching has continued, right down to the present day.

The Buddha was not God and neither did He make any claim to divinity. He was a human being who, through tremendous efforts, transformed Himself. Buddhists see him as an ideal and a guide, who can lead them to Enlightenment.

Buddhist Religion

Buddhism is a path of practice and spiritual development, providing a person with insight into the true nature of life. Buddhist practices, such as meditation, serve as the means of changing oneself, in order to develop the qualities of awareness, kindness, and wisdom. Buddhism is not about teaching or learning, but about experiencing.

Buddhist ideology does not advocate the practice of worshipping God in a physical form. Hence, quite often, it is not really seen as a religion in the normal sense. The basic tenets of Buddhist teaching are straightforward and practical - nothing is fixed or permanent; actions have consequences; change is possible. It teaches practical methods, such as meditation, which enable people to realize and utilize its teachings in order to transform their experience. They are taught to be fully responsible for their lives and to develop the qualities of wisdom and compassion.

Historical Places

Nepal Buddha

Siddartha Gautama or Gautam Buddha as he is proudly called was born in Lumbini forest in Nepal in 560 BC. He was named Siddhartha and was raised up in the kingdom of Kapilavastu. Her mother Maya gave birth to Gautama in Lumbini in a garden beneath the sal tree. The day on which Gautama Buddha was born is celebrated in Theravada countries as Vasak. He spent 29 years as the Prince of Kapilavastu during the period which he married Yasodhara who gave birth to Rahula. In Hinduism Gautama Buddha is regarded as the reincarnation of Vishnu. Since he was born in Nepal he is also referred to as the Nepal Buddha.

A few years back a teenage boy meditating under a tree in south central Nepal was sighted and is being regarded as the reincarnation of the great Buddha. He has also earned the nickname of Nepal Buddha. The boy named Ram Bahadur Bamjan was witnessed sitting cross legged in posture of Buddha under a peepal tree. The tree under which he has been worshiping is festooned and the air gives the smell of incense sticks.

Besides Nepal Buddha he is also known as the Buddha Boy since he is just a teenager and has drawn curiosity from world over since he has meditated for over ten months without food and water. People have been left wondering whether he is the incarnation of Gautama Buddha or not.

Gautam Buddha Birthplace

It stated that Gautam Buddha was born two hundred years before King Ashoka reign. Birthplace of Gautam Buddha is regarded as Lumbini in Nepal. It is said that when his pregnant mother Maya was leaving Kapilvastu to deliver Gautama at her father’s place she gave birth to a beautiful child in the gardens of Lumbini below the sal tree. The child was named Siddhartha who later on came to be known as Gautama Buddha. It was hermit Asita who declared that the child would either become a great king or a holy man.

The birthplace of Gautam Buddha is situated on the foothills of Himalaya in the kingdom of Nepal and the day on which Siddhartha Gautam was born is celebrated as Vesak. King Ashoka visited the Lumbii forest and constructed four stupas and stone pillars with horse figure on top of it.

Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha remained neglected for centuries before a German archaeologist discovered the famous pillars in 1895 in the foothills of Churia range and on further excavation a brick temple and sandstone sculpture was discovered within the temple which depiction of Buddha’s birth.

On the south of the Maya Devi Temple is Puskarni which is the famous sacred bathing pool and it stated that Maya Devi took a bath in this pool before delivering the baby. I 1996 a flawless stone placed by Emperor Ashoka was discovered which was placed in 249 BC to mark the birth of Buddha 2,600 years ago.

A visit to the birthplace of Gautama Buddha not only leads to spiritual enlightenment but also brings peace in life.

Gautam Buddha Biography

Very little is known about Gautam Buddha. The biography of Gautam Buddha has come to know through ancient scriptures which were written after details related to him were passed by generations orally. It is stated that Gautama Siddartha was a North Indian Prince who lived between 563 and 479 BC and later on came to be known as Buddha or Enlightened One. It is stated that Queen Maya died seven days after giving birth to Gautama and Prince Siddhartha is said to have gone to Trayastrimsa Heaven and stayed there for three months to preach supreme knowledge to his mother.

Astrologers had stated that Prince Siddhartha would become a great sage on growing up if he came to know of the sufferings of mankind and in order to prevent this from happening his father King Suddhodana tried to prevent access of the outside world to Prince Siddartha and offered him all the worldly pleasures so that he could turn out to be a worthwhile king but its stated that nothing can change destiny but a visit to the kingdom changed all where he saw the sufferings of mankind and he left his kingdom to go on to become an ascetic.

Lord Buddha tried self mortification for six years but failed and traveled to Gaya and sat under a fig tree to gain enlightenment. Here he achieved what he wanted and became Buddha, a person who was released from consciousness of suffering.

It was at the age of thirty that Gautama Buddha left all his worldly belongings and devoted his life for self denial and spent the rest of his life teaching his disciples the Four Noble Truth and how they could achieve the state of Nirvana. The rest as they say is history and Buddhism spread throughout the world. This is the just of the biography of the great Gautam Buddha

Historical facts

Immediately before birth, the Bodhisattva was the Lord of the Tushita (Tusita) divine realm. There, he had resolved to be born for the last time and to have the attainment of enlightment. During the night of his conception, Queen Maha Maya Devi, the wife of King Suddhodana of Kapilavattu (Kapilavastu), dreamt of a great white elephant entering her womb. On the full moon day of Kason (May or Vesakha) in the year 563 BCE, a noble prince, the Bodhisattva, was born in the Lumbini Park (Garden), 16 km from the Sakya city of Kapilavattu. Emerging from the bath in a pond, with her face looking to the east, she leant her right arm on the Shala (In-ginn) tree and gave birth to the future Buddha. The prince was born to from her right side and immediately took seven steps, in each of the four directions, east, south, west and north. In each direction, the newly born Prince Siddhartha proclaimed as, with a lion’s roar, by holding his right hand with pointing index

Magnificent Mount Everest

One of the highest mountains ever to be climbed is the famous Mount Everest, which can be located in Asia between the border of Tibet and Nepal. Mount Everest is essentially part of the Himalaya range of mountains, but has been greatly publicized due to its immense height that has been recorded at 29,028 feet or 8,848 meters high.

Many local names have been given to Mount Everest in an attempt to recognize it for its majestic height. The origin of Mount Everest's name comes from the British General and Surveyor at that time, Andrew Waugh, who named the mountain after Sir George Everest in 1865. Later the Nepalese government gave Mount Everest a Nepalese name Sagarmatha in 1960. It was an Indian mathematician, Radhanath Sikdar, who first measured and identified Mount Everest as the highest mountain in the world in 1852.

Mount Everest was first recognized for its sheer height in 1953 when Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay made the first successful attempt to ascend to the top of this daunting mountain on the 29th of May. These two men did not have the advanced technology and climbing equipment that climbers have today, they completed this daunting task with no fixed ropes and basic ice climbing equipment. Previously there had been an attempt by two men Andrew Irvine and George Mallory from the United Kingdom thirty years before. However, whether they ever made it to the top or not, no-one knows as they never returned to relate their adventures.

The easier of the two main routes up Mount Everest is the southeast route that can be accessed from the NepalMount Everest between the months of April and May before the unstable, monsoon season hits with its high wind speeds. side of the mountain and the other main route comes from the north on the Tibetan side of the mountain. Apart from these two routes there are a total of fifteen other routes that will take you to the top. Most climbers will attempt to climb

One thing that can definitely be concluded about Mount Everest is that each and every person who attempts to climb this magnificent mountain does so taking their life in their hands. In 1996 a total of fifteen people lost their lives in an attempt to get to the top of the highest mountain in the world due to various freak weather conditions.

Annapurna - Goddess of the Harvest

Nepal has gained fame and popularity for its mountains, to be specific the Himalayas. It is home to the greatest mountain climbing extravaganza in the world. Here, climbers and trekkers can choose from 238 mountains that are above 6 000 meters in height and eight of the fourteen mountain peaks in the world, over 8 000. These monster mountains of Nepal are Mount Everest (the highest in the world), Lhotse, Dhaulagiri, Kanchanjunga, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, Makalu and last but not least, Annapurna.
The tenth highest peak in the world, Annapurna, is located on the Kali Gandak River, and has a peak on either side of its massif. These peaks are known as Annapurna I and Annapurna II. The name Annapurna can be translated into two versions, "Goddess of the Harvest" or "The Provider".
There are many mountains in Nepal, but few with the magnificent views and options that Annapurna has to offer. The two trekking circuits of Annapurna are the Village Trek and the Circuit Trek. The Circuit Trek consists of trade paths that were used in ancient times for trade between Tibet and Nepal and the region still overflows with a diverse mixture of Hinduism, Bon-Po and Buddhism. On this breathtaking trek, you will be supplied with many photographic opportunities of the Annapurna Mountain and the Dhaulagiri Mountain, including spectacular landscapes and many Nepalese wildlife species. This 300 kilometer trek circles the magnificent mountain and reaches altitudes of 5 300 meters. The Annapurna Village Trek concentrates on the foothills of the mountain, scenery and the small villages that are found along the way.
Annapurna has been steeped in triumph, but has also had its share of tragedy, such as in May 2005. Christian Kuntner, a 44 year-old Italian climber, was fatally injured during an avalanche. Another member of the team narrowly escaped death with sustaining serious injuries. These accidents are a reminder to us of the danger that comes with mountain climbing and that climbers should never loose their respect or awareness for the mountain they climb. But, no matter what the dangers or risks are, adventure seekers and mountain climbers will keep returning to conquer the mountain and overcome their own fear.

Kanchenjunga - The Five Treasures of Snows

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world; in third place at 28,169 feet or 8,586 meters is Kanchenjunga (or Kangchenjunga), which means "The five Treasures of Snows". A number of climbers and hikers have had the privilege to explore and climb the mountain peaks where they are dazzled by the picturesque views surrounding them from different viewing points. Of all the mountain ranges Kanchenjunga is one of the least explored because of its remoteness and the difficulties in getting permission and access from the Indian side.

Kanchenjunga is made up of five peaks, three of which are found in India and the other two in Nepal. Another interesting fact is that four of the five peaks reach or go over 8,450 meters. Kangbachen is the lowest peak reaching a height of 7,903 meters, next is Kanchenjunga South at 8,494 meters. Then there is Kanchenjunga Central, which stands at 8,482, Kanchenjunga West at 8,505 and the highest Kangchenjunga Main at 8,586.

George Band and Joe Brown were the first two men from the United Kingdom to ascend Kanchenjunga in 1955 with their team of helpers. Since then there have been many expeditions completed by various teams of climbers representing their country. In 1983 Pierre Beghin attempted a climb up Kanchenjunga without bringing extra oxygen and done solely by himself without a team. 1998 was the year Ginette Harrison became the first and only woman to have successfully climbed to the top and made it down alive.

The local Sikkimese people found in India believe that the summit of the mountains of Kanchenjunga are sacred and not to be trodden on. In an attempt to show respect for the beliefs of the Sikkimese, the few who have successfully made it near the top of the summit stop a few meters before they get there.

In Nepal there is certain part of Kanchenjunga that has been made a conservation area run by the World Wildlife Fund, protecting, among other things, the Red Panda. Similarly, parts of Kanchenjunga found in India have been made protected areas in an attempt to provide sanctuary to both flora and fauna

The Proud Dhaulagiri Mountain

The Dhaulagiri Mountain is located in the eastern region of Nepal, at the Tibet Border. It was discovered in 1808, and up until that time the Chimborazo Mountain in Ecuador held the position as the world’s highest mountain. Dhaulagiri changed all that, with a summit of 8 201 meters and it is today the 7th highest peak in the world. For thirty years, it was believed that Dhaulagiri was the highest summit in the world, but the discovery of other mountains across the world set new challenges and dangers.
The mountain's glaciers, ice-falls and challenging ridges were first explored in 1960 by an Austrian and Swiss expedition group. It would become the world's first climb that was to be assisted by a plane. Unfortunately, the plane crashed into the mountain and they were forced to leave it behind in its icy grave.
The closest airport to Dhaulagiri is Kathmandu. Climbing this formidable mountain is suggested during the months of April, May, September and October. The mountain range has fifteen peaks, which are all 7 000 meters in height, and the terrain is harsh and unforgiving. Hiking and mountaineering experience is definitely needed for the Dhaulagiri Mountain and the region surrounding the mountain is just as spectacular. It is home to the world’s deepest gorge, the Gandaki Gorge. The panoramic views and magnificent sights makes the Dhaulagiri climb worth every effort. It is recommended that climbers join a team or climbing outfit to ensure their safety and a carefree climb.
Amidst all the beauty it is easy to forget that the mountain is still dangerous. Altitude sickness, avalanches and injuries are part and parcel of the thrill in conquering mountains. But, in some cases, the thrill becomes all too real. In 1969, Dhaulagiri took the lives of Boyd N Everett Jr and his expedition. Only two members of the original party survived that avalanche, as Louis Reichardt was fortunate not to have been in the path of the avalanche and William Read was evacuated the day before due to pulmonary edema. Viewed as the worst disaster in the mountaineering history of Nepal, none of the bodies were ever recovered. The world was reminded yet again of the dangers of the mountain in 1998. Chantal Mauduit and her Sherpa companion, Tshering, were both killed in their tents by a small avalanche. Mauduit was a well-liked and popular French Alpinist and her tragic death reminded everyone with a love for the mountains never to lose respect for the silent giants of the planet.

The Striking Himalayas in Nepal

The Himalayas, which means "Abode of Snow", is the highest and most continuous mountain range in the world. This awe-inspiring range of mountains has attracted many climbers and explorers over the years and continues to mesmerize people through its immense beauty. Nepal's Himalayas also contain nine of the fourteen highest peaks in the world, which includes the highest peak ever recorded - Mount Everest.

The Himalayas can be found located in South Asia crossing over a large geography of land covering a distance of 1550 miles or 2500 kilometers in total. Parts of the Himalayas can be found situated in Afghanistan, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Pakistan, the Tibetan Plateau and covers a number of states in India. The Himalayas are broken up into three parts, the Western Himalayas, the Inner or Central Himalayas and the Eastern Himalayas. The mountains can also be classified into four mountain belts, the Outer Himalayas, Lesser Himalayas, the Greater Himalayas and the Tibetan Himalayas.

The mountains that make up the Himalayas are considered young fold mountains in comparison to other mountain ranges that are much older. Here you will find located in amongst the boulders and rocks small villages made up of groups of people who have frozen time while the rest of the world has continued to progress. Most of Nepal is made up of the harsh and remote Himalayan Mountain range. Astonishingly this all changes when you go down to 18,000 feet - instead of snow, climbers are met with thriving lush forests, icy cold water falls and rivers, which encompass an array of flora and fauna.
There are a number of lowland, monsoon forests like the Northwestern thorn scrub forests found in Pakistan that can be found at the base of most parts of the mountain range. Then there is the Terai strip, which is made up of sand and clay and in some parts grassland where you will find the Indian Rhinoceros. Above this is land that is called the Bhabhar zone where subtropical pine forests can be found growing in the subtropical climate experienced here. Further up you get broad leaf forests and Alpine shrub and grasslands, which is inhabited by the rare

About Nepal

Nepal is located in South Asia and shares territorial borders with India and China. Previously ruled as a kingdom, today it is a Federal Democratic Republic. Nepal is known for its exquisite natural beauty, with the iconic Himalayas running across the northern and western part of the country. Eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest, reside within its borders. Although Nepal is a relatively small country in comparison with its neighbors, it has an astonishingly diverse landscape, from the rugged Himalayas in the north to the humid Terai plains in the south. The capital and largest city is Kathmandu. The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee(NPR).

Getting Here

The Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu welcomes visitors into the country and an additional 47 airports make getting around Nepal relatively easy, despite its rugged and mountainous terrain that makes some of the more remote virtually impossible to reach by road. Nepal Airlines is the official air carrier of the country, with a fleet consisting of two Boeing B-757s and seven DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft. The railway network in Nepal is rather sparse, with the main line running between Janakpur and Jainagar, a town close to the border of India. A rail link between Nepal and Lhasa in Tibet, China is under consideration for future development.

Accommodations

Tourism provides a significant source of income for Nepal and a wide variety of accommodation ensures that travelers will find what they need within their price range. Most of Nepal’s world-class luxury hotels are located in Pokhara and Kathmandu, catering to the every need of the discerning traveler and business person, while providing a base from which to explore the surroundings in day trips. Health spas and yoga retreats are also popular among city-dwelling holiday-makers looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of modern living. Mid-range and budget hotels are plentiful throughout Nepal, while families in remote areas welcome visitors into their homes to live as one of the family for the duration of their stay – an option which fits in well with trekking expeditions.

Attractions

While the most obvious attractions in Nepal are its majestic mountains and ruggedly beautiful landscapes, there are many historic and cultural treasures to appreciate. in the town of Bhaktapur near Kathmandu is one of these treasures that should not be missed. It features the spectacular 17th century Lion Gate, the richly decorated Golden Gate and the nearby Palace of Fifty-Five windows. The Central Zoo In Jawalakhel is both a research and educational facility, welcoming animal-lovers to view the more than 900 birds, mammals, reptiles and fish on exhibit. Visitors may also enjoy an elephant ride as well as the picnic facilities and paddle boats.

There are also a number of national parks which protect the diverse wildlife and their habitats in Nepal. The Davis Falls (also known as Patale Chhango, Hell’s Falls, Devi’s Falls and Devin Falls) is an area renowned for its tranquility and mystic legends. The nearby Mahendra Cave (referred to as the House of Bats by locals) is also well worth a visit. History enthusiasts should make a point of visiting the Gorkha Royal Palace standing proudly on a hill overlooking the Gorkha Durbar. The climb to the elaborately decorated Newari-architectural style palace is challenging, but the view of the green landscapes, snow-capped Himalayas and the town below, as well as the palace itself, makes the effort well worth while. Kathmandu, a city which has been immortalized in countless songs, literary works, films and paintings, offers visitors numerous places of interest to visit, with some of the most noteworthy being Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, Tharlam Monastery and the Kathmandu Durbar Square listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tours and Activities

Tours are popular in Nepal and there are many local tour providers. The most popular guided tours include short stopovers at major towns and cities allowing travelers to visit local attractions and do a bit of souvenir-hunting while soaking up the sights, sounds and aromas of Nepal’s markets. Ecotourism has become a very popular activity among many travelers.

Without a doubt two of the most popular activities enjoyed by visitors to Nepal are trekking and mountaineering with the rugged landscape offering innumerable opportunities for both. Trekking is an excellent way of really getting to understand what Nepal is all about. Trekkers can set their pace to enjoy the incredible scenery, meet the locals and stop off at the many temples and historic ruins that are often found in unexpected places. Other activities to be enjoyed by the adventurous at heart include elephant safaris, biking, river rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, parasailing and hot air ballooning – an excellent way to view the spectacular Himalayas without actually climbing them.
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Mountain Ranges of Nepal

A country of great beauty, Nepal is home to eight of the 14 highest mountains in the world. The Himalayan mountain range extends across the country from the eastern edge to the western edge. This conglomeration of beautiful and rugged mountain peaks has drawn mountain trekkers and climbers from all over the world. Many come here to test their skills, their mental and physical strength and their endurance. Others are drawn to the mountains of Nepal for more spiritual reasons. Whatever the case, you can be sure that you will enjoy Nepal's mountains – even if you only see them from a distance.

Most people traveling to Nepal come here to enjoy the striking backdrop of the Himalayas. This striking mountain range is home to the world-famous Mount Everest and many people come here just to try and climb the biggest mountain in the world. Still many others who visit enjoy trekking through the Himalayas, climbing smaller mountains and taking photographs. There is a lot to be seen and done in the Himalayas of Nepal and you do not always have to be an experienced and very fit climber to travel up some of the mountain peaks.

There are several noteworthy mountains in Nepal worth visiting if you are able. The first, of course, is Mount Everest though only a few ever brave the incredible and painstaking journey to the summit. The average visitor may spend some time at the Everest base camp or they may choose to view the biggest mountain in the world from another mountain peak such as Kala Patthar which offers better views than those enjoyed at the Everest base camp. Some of the mountains are extremely steep and icy while others are not quite so steep. Some noteworthy mountains in Nepal include Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Anna Purna, Imja Tse, Ama Dablam and Mansalu.

If you are planning to spend time among some of these legendary mountains when you next visit Nepal, keep in mind that the altitude is extreme and so is the weather. Even in the warmer months, the mountains are usually coated with snow and ice and the air has an unbeatable chill to it. You’ll need special equipment and it also helps to remember that you’ll need the services of an experienced guide as well as a legal permit to climb the mountains. The Himalayas are definitely not the sort of place you go for your first attempt at mountain climbing so you should be sure that you have gained adequate experience before booking your ticket. When you do come, remember to pack warmly, be prepared for anything and get ready to start your adventure in the mountains of Nepal.

National Parks

There are a great number of National Parks in Nepal which are definitely worth a visit. The country has an abundance of wildlife which will appeal to all – snow leopards, Indian rhinoceros, barking deer, bears and tigers – and that's not all! Many an Indian story has incorporated these stunning creatures into the tale and truly, life in Nepal would not be quite the same without them. The best way to view animals is by visiting Nepal's National Parks where all kinds of animals are protected in their natural habitat.