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Buddhist Beliefs and Teachings mindmap
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Jul 2, 2025
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The Fun Story of Buddha: Siddhartha's Journey and the Four Sights
lola
@lola_iqng
The Life and Teachings of Buddha
This page provides a comprehensive overview of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, who became known as the Buddha, and his core teachings that form the foundation of Buddhism.
Birth and Early Life of Siddhartha Gautama
The story of Siddhartha Gautama begins with his miraculous birth. His mother, Queen Maya, dreamed of a white elephant descending from heaven, foretelling the birth of a holy child. Siddhartha was born in the Lumbini Gardens, and legend says he could immediately walk and talk. He took seven steps, with lotus flowers appearing under his feet, and declared he wouldn't be reborn.
Highlight: According to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha's birth was accompanied by miraculous events, signifying his future importance as a spiritual leader.
Shortly after his birth, a prophecy was made that Siddhartha would become either a great king or a holy man. He grew up in a palace surrounded by luxury, being prepared for kingship.
The Four Sights and Siddhartha's Spiritual Journey
When Siddhartha left the palace out of curiosity about life outside, he encountered the Four Sights, which profoundly impacted his worldview:
- A frail old man, revealing that everyone ages
- A sick man, showing that illness is a reality for all
- A dead man, demonstrating the inevitability of death
- A holy man, suggesting a spiritual answer to suffering is possible
Definition: The Four Sights in Buddhism are pivotal experiences that led Siddhartha Gautama to leave his life of luxury and seek spiritual enlightenment.
These encounters led Siddhartha to leave the palace, his son, and his wife to pursue spiritual enlightenment.
Buddha's Path to Enlightenment
Siddhartha initially followed ascetic practices for six years, living a simple and strict lifestyle in dangerous forests, sleeping on thorns, and starving himself. He learned meditation but became too weak to practice effectively. Realizing that extreme asceticism was not the answer to suffering, he rejected it and sought a middle way.
Siddhartha then sat under the Bodhi tree, determined to find enlightenment through meditation. He was tempted by Mara, a demon representing spiritual obstacles, but continued his meditation. Through this practice, he gained knowledge of all his previous lives, understood the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and realized how karma affects rebirth. He also understood that everything is impermanent and that beings suffer from attachment.
Vocabulary: Karma refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect, where intent and actions of an individual influence their future.
Core Buddhist Teachings
The Three Jewels (Triratna)
The Three Jewels, also known as the Three Refuges, are central values in a Buddhist's life:
- Buddha: The enlightened one, who serves as a guide rather than a god
- Dhamma : Buddha's teachings, the truth about existence, and a universal law that governs how reality works
- Sangha: The Buddhist community
Definition: The Three Jewels of Buddhism are considered the foundation of Buddhist practice and are believed to relieve suffering and give meaning to life.
The Four Noble Truths
- There is suffering
- Suffering has a cause
- Suffering can end
- There's a way to end suffering
The Eightfold Path
The Eightfold Path is the practical guide Buddhists can use to overcome suffering, as outlined in the Fourth Noble Truth.
Dependent Arising
This concept teaches that everything depends on supporting conditions, and nothing is independent. Everything is always changing, with karma being an example of dependent arising.
Example: The Tibetan Wheel of Life illustrates dependent arising as applied to the birth, death, and rebirth of beings .
Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism
The page also briefly compares Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism:
- Theravada Buddhism focuses on the Arhat, a perfected person who has overcome the three poisons and is enlightened.
- Mahayana Buddhism encompasses many different Buddhist traditions, including Pure Land Buddhism and Zen. It emphasizes the Bodhisattva ideal, where enlightened beings choose to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others achieve enlightenment.
Highlight: While Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism share core beliefs, they differ in their emphasis on individual enlightenment versus helping others achieve enlightenment.
Key Buddhist Concepts
- Dukkha: Suffering or unsatisfactoriness, recognizing that all pleasure is impermanent
- Anicca: Impermanence, the awareness of which leads to letting go of attachment
- Anatta: No-self or no-soul, the understanding that a person exists only because of the parts they're made of, with no separate self
The page concludes by mentioning the story of Kisa Gotami, which illustrates the Buddhist teaching on the universality of death and the importance of accepting impermanence.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
You have the choice, we offer a 100% secure payment via PayPal or an Amazon gift card. There is no limit to how much you can earn.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The Fun Story of Buddha: Siddhartha's Journey and the Four Sights
lola
@lola_iqng
The life and teachings of Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths, Three Jewels, and key Buddhist concepts, are explored in this comprehensive guide for young students.
- Siddhartha Gautama's birth and early life
- The Four Sightsthat led to his spiritual... Show more
The Life and Teachings of Buddha
This page provides a comprehensive overview of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, who became known as the Buddha, and his core teachings that form the foundation of Buddhism.
Birth and Early Life of Siddhartha Gautama
The story of Siddhartha Gautama begins with his miraculous birth. His mother, Queen Maya, dreamed of a white elephant descending from heaven, foretelling the birth of a holy child. Siddhartha was born in the Lumbini Gardens, and legend says he could immediately walk and talk. He took seven steps, with lotus flowers appearing under his feet, and declared he wouldn't be reborn.
Highlight: According to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha's birth was accompanied by miraculous events, signifying his future importance as a spiritual leader.
Shortly after his birth, a prophecy was made that Siddhartha would become either a great king or a holy man. He grew up in a palace surrounded by luxury, being prepared for kingship.
The Four Sights and Siddhartha's Spiritual Journey
When Siddhartha left the palace out of curiosity about life outside, he encountered the Four Sights, which profoundly impacted his worldview:
- A frail old man, revealing that everyone ages
- A sick man, showing that illness is a reality for all
- A dead man, demonstrating the inevitability of death
- A holy man, suggesting a spiritual answer to suffering is possible
Definition: The Four Sights in Buddhism are pivotal experiences that led Siddhartha Gautama to leave his life of luxury and seek spiritual enlightenment.
These encounters led Siddhartha to leave the palace, his son, and his wife to pursue spiritual enlightenment.
Buddha's Path to Enlightenment
Siddhartha initially followed ascetic practices for six years, living a simple and strict lifestyle in dangerous forests, sleeping on thorns, and starving himself. He learned meditation but became too weak to practice effectively. Realizing that extreme asceticism was not the answer to suffering, he rejected it and sought a middle way.
Siddhartha then sat under the Bodhi tree, determined to find enlightenment through meditation. He was tempted by Mara, a demon representing spiritual obstacles, but continued his meditation. Through this practice, he gained knowledge of all his previous lives, understood the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and realized how karma affects rebirth. He also understood that everything is impermanent and that beings suffer from attachment.
Vocabulary: Karma refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect, where intent and actions of an individual influence their future.
Core Buddhist Teachings
The Three Jewels (Triratna)
The Three Jewels, also known as the Three Refuges, are central values in a Buddhist's life:
- Buddha: The enlightened one, who serves as a guide rather than a god
- Dhamma : Buddha's teachings, the truth about existence, and a universal law that governs how reality works
- Sangha: The Buddhist community
Definition: The Three Jewels of Buddhism are considered the foundation of Buddhist practice and are believed to relieve suffering and give meaning to life.
The Four Noble Truths
- There is suffering
- Suffering has a cause
- Suffering can end
- There's a way to end suffering
The Eightfold Path
The Eightfold Path is the practical guide Buddhists can use to overcome suffering, as outlined in the Fourth Noble Truth.
Dependent Arising
This concept teaches that everything depends on supporting conditions, and nothing is independent. Everything is always changing, with karma being an example of dependent arising.
Example: The Tibetan Wheel of Life illustrates dependent arising as applied to the birth, death, and rebirth of beings .
Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism
The page also briefly compares Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism:
- Theravada Buddhism focuses on the Arhat, a perfected person who has overcome the three poisons and is enlightened.
- Mahayana Buddhism encompasses many different Buddhist traditions, including Pure Land Buddhism and Zen. It emphasizes the Bodhisattva ideal, where enlightened beings choose to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others achieve enlightenment.
Highlight: While Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism share core beliefs, they differ in their emphasis on individual enlightenment versus helping others achieve enlightenment.
Key Buddhist Concepts
- Dukkha: Suffering or unsatisfactoriness, recognizing that all pleasure is impermanent
- Anicca: Impermanence, the awareness of which leads to letting go of attachment
- Anatta: No-self or no-soul, the understanding that a person exists only because of the parts they're made of, with no separate self
The page concludes by mentioning the story of Kisa Gotami, which illustrates the Buddhist teaching on the universality of death and the importance of accepting impermanence.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
You have the choice, we offer a 100% secure payment via PayPal or an Amazon gift card. There is no limit to how much you can earn.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user