Siddhartha's Escape From Suffering

The Buddha was an Indian prince who left his royal life in search of the meaning behind suffering. The sight of everyday ordeals provoked him to journey across much of Asia. While meditating he had an epiphany. Through the experiencing of completely different lifestyles, The Buddha concluded that there was a way to find release from suffering as long as one understood the path he had outlined. These lessons established by Buddha became the foundation of the religion. After his death, a group of monks formed an effort to extend buddhist teachings. Thus, The Buddhas choice to break free from society in search of release from suffering lead to the eventual creation of one of the world's largest religions. Born into Indian royalty, Siddhartha

Not only did it change his own life but his decision lead to the formation of teachings that would eventually change the world. Under the Bodhi tree where Siddhartha became The Buddha, he formed lessons for one to understand how to attain enlightenment (“Siddhartha Gautama Becomes the Buddha”). These disciplining instructions were a guide to true understanding. While meditating, the answer to suffering became prevalent to Siddhartha in the form of the Eightfold path. The Buddha concluded that through eight aspects such as right livelihood, right action, right speech, etcetera, one would be directed towards awareness. In addition, the Four Noble truths were created as a guide along this Eightfold path. These informational points interpret suffering simply through the statements: “1. Suffering exists, 2. Suffering is caused by desire and ignorance, 3. Suffering can cease, 4. The way to end suffering is the Eightfold Path which embodies the middle way Philosophy” (“Siddhartha Gautama Becomes the Buddha”). Immediately after reaching enlightenment, the Buddha began a journey of teaching these values. He explained what he had learned and gained five disciples. After educating them with everything the Buddha had realized, these followers were able to instruct others, leading to the initial circulation of Buddhist ideas. “The entire Southeast Asia was changed by

They slowly took hold in Asian culture and appeared in variations around the continent. When the Mauryuan emporer Ashoka converted to Buddhism, the religion took a great deal of meaning in the region (Pearson). Inscriptions made by Ashoka were considered the first actual Buddhist texts. The inscribed information formed many well-known Ashokan pillars. These column-like pedestals were a cultural milestone for Buddhism. Ashoka therefore proved his importance with the altering and expanding of Buddhist information that sprouted from his strong reliance in Buddha's realization. They were written and displayed in various places in Ashoka's extensive kingdom. What was written illustrates virtues of self-control, impartiality, cheerfullness, and truthfullness (“Buddhism”). Ashoka's reign based its foundation on Buddhist precepts and spread teachings throughout his vast domain. At this time during 300 b.c., Buddhist influence was becoming prevalent and would only gain popularity in years to come (Allmon). Ashoka's political influence was an immensely important advancement made for the religion. The decision Buddha made was not only expanded into broader territory, but also put into new perspective as a formal leader pronounced the religion. Furthermore, the foundation of Buddhism had a growing impact that played a significant role in the political expansion of Southeast