Siddhartha Gautam was naturally introduced to an illustrious family in Lumbini, now situated in Nepal, in 563 BC. At the age of 29, he understood that riches and extravagance did not ensure bliss, so he investigated the diverse lessons religions and methods of insight of the day, to locate the way to human joy. Following six long periods of study and contemplation he at last found ‘the center way’ and was illuminated. After illumination, the Buddha spent whatever remains of his life educating the standards of Buddhism — called the Dhamma, or Truth — until his passing at 80 years old. Buddhism goes past religion and is to a greater extent reasoning or ‘lifestyle’.
It is a theory since rationality ‘implies the love of intelligence’ and the Buddhist way can be summed up as: • To have an ethical existence, • To be careful and mindful of musings and activities, and • To create understanding and wisdom.