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Buddha Research Paper

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The myth «Birht of the Buddha» is from the earliest stage of the life of Buddha. This essay will take a closer look on this myth and critically examine what parts might be linked to actual events considering the Buddha. The word «Buddha», as most people know, is not a name but rather an honorific title indicating a person 's enlightenment. In its purest sense, «Buddha» translates to «the Enlightened One» or «the Awakened One». It should be recognized that the title is most commonly used in relation to Siddharta Gautama, which historically is considered the founder of Buddhism. For simplicity 's sake, this essay will stick to the title «Buddha». The myth of the birth of Buddha appears on several occasions, through different writings. «The Mahavatsu», «the Lalitavistara», «the poetical Buddhacarita» composed by Asvaghosa and «the Theravadic Nidanakatha» are a few noteworthy. The sole purpose of these Buddha-legends is most likely to illustrate significant thoughts and ideas in Buddhistic teachings through Buddha 's life. Clearly, several parts of the biographies of Buddha are simply legends. Some parts do however seem more accurate and trustworthy. According to Buddhist tradition, Buddha was born a prince, son of king Suddhodana and queen Mahamaya. The legend speaks of him entering his mother 's womb through a dream, where he manifested as the royal symbol of a white elephant. He was later born, miraculously, exiting the Queens womb through her right side. Accurate and

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