Founder: Gautama Buddha
Born: 563 BCE, Lumbini
Death: 483 BCE, Kushinagar
4 Noble Truths: Arya Satya
Eightfold Path: Ashtangika Marga
General Information (Samanya Parichay)
▼
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Gautama Buddha |
| Childhood Name | Siddhartha |
| Birth | 563 BCE — Lumbini, Nepal |
| Death | 483 BCE — Kushinagar / Kushinara, UP |
| Father | Shuddhodana — Head of Shakya clan, Kapilavastu |
| Mother | Maya Devi — Princess of Koliya clan |
| Stepmother | Prajapati Gautami — Raised Buddha · First Bhikkhuni |
| Wife | Yashodhara — Princess of Shakya clan |
| Son | Rahul — Meaning: Fetter or Bond |
Key Terminology Revision
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| Event | Technical Term |
|---|---|
| Renunciation (leaving home) | Mahabhinishkramana |
| Enlightenment | Nirvana / Sambodhi |
| First Sermon | Dharmachakra Pravartana |
| Death | Mahaparinirvana |
Eight Great Events & Symbols (Ashtamahapratihariya)
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| Life Event | Symbol | Technical Term |
|---|---|---|
| Conception | Elephant (White) | — |
| Birth | Lotus / Bull | — |
| Renunciation | Horse | Mahabhinishkramana |
| Enlightenment | Bodhi Tree (Pipal) | Sambodhi / Nirvana |
| First Sermon | Wheel (Chakra) | Dharmachakrapravartana |
| Nirvana | Footprints | — |
| Death | Stupa | Mahaparinirvana |
Path to Renunciation
▼
A. Four Sights (seen at Kapilavastu)
Sight 1
Old Man
Aging
Sight 2
Sick Man
Disease
Sight 3
Corpse
Death
Sight 4
Ascetic / Monk
Peace / Sannyas
B. Home Renunciation (at age 29)
- Horse: Kanthaka
- Charioteer: Channa (Chhana)
Teachers & Companions
▼
First Guru
Alara Kalama
Vaishali · Teaching: Sankhya Philosophy · Result: Knowledge of "Nothingness"
(Sunyata)
Second Guru
Udraka Ramaputta
Rajagriha · Result: Advanced meditative stages (neither perception nor
non-perception)
5 Ascetics (Panchavaggiya) — Met at Uruvela
1.
Kaundinya (Kondanna)
2.
Vappa
3.
Bhaddiya
4.
Mahanama
5.
Assaji
Enlightenment (Sambodhi)
▼
Age
35 years
Day
Vaishakh Purnima
Buddha Purnima
Location
Bodh Gaya, Bihar
River: Niranjana (Phalgu) · Tree: Bodhi (Pipal)
Sermons of Buddha (Dharmachakrapravartana)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| First Sermon | Sarnath (Rishipattana / Deer Park) |
| Most Sermons | Shravasti (Capital of Kosala Kingdom) |
| Language | Pali |
| Other Locations | Kosala, Vaishali, Kaushambi, Rajgir |
Buddhist Sangha
▼
- Established for guidance of Bhikkhus (monks) and Bhikkhunis (nuns)
- Upasampada: Ceremony for entry into the Sangha
- First Bhikkhuni: Prajapati Gautami (Buddha's stepmother)
- Royal Followers: Bimbisara, Prasenjit, Udayin
Four Noble Truths (Arya Satya / Chatur Arya Satya)
▼
Truth 1
Dukkha
The world is full of Suffering
Truth 2
Dukkha Samudaya
Cause of Suffering = Desire / Tanha
Truth 3
Dukkha Nirodha
Cessation of Suffering (is possible)
Truth 4
Dukkha Nirodhagamini Pratipada
Path to cessation = Eightfold Path
Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga)
Middle Path to Nirvana
▼
1
Right View
2
Right Resolve
3
Right Speech
4
Right Action
5
Right Livelihood
6
Right Effort
7
Right Mindfulness
8
Right Concentration
Core Beliefs
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- Non-Theistic: No belief in God or Soul (Anatta)
- Karma & Rebirth: Strong emphasis on both
- Vedas: Rejected the authority of Vedas
- Goal: Nirvana (Liberation)
- Values: Truth (Satya) + Non-Violence (Ahimsa)
4 Buddhist Councils (Sangeeti)
Most Important Topic for Exams · Mnemonic: Ra-Va-Pa-Ku / Aj-Ka-A-K
▼
1st · 483 BCE
Place: Rajagriha
Chair: Mahakasyapa
Ruler: Ajatashatru
Work: Compilation of Sutta Pitaka & Vinaya Pitaka
2nd · 383 BCE
Place: Vaishali
Chair: Sabakami
Ruler: Kalashoka
Work: First division of Sangha → Sthaviravadins & Mahasanghikas
3rd · 250 BCE
Place: Pataliputra
Chair: Moggalliputta Tissa
Ruler: Ashoka
Work: Compilation of Abhidhamma Pitaka
4th · 72 AD
Place: Kashmir
Chair: Vasumitra
Ruler: Kanishka
Work: Final division → Hinayana &
Mahayana
🧠 MNEMONIC
Places: Ra-Va-Pa-Ku → Rajagriha - Vaishali - Pataliputra - Kashmir
Rulers: Aj-Ka-A-K → Ajatashatru - Kalashoka - Ashoka - Kanishka
Rulers: Aj-Ka-A-K → Ajatashatru - Kalashoka - Ashoka - Kanishka
Division of Buddhism — 3 Sects
▼
🚌 Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle)
Belief: No Idol Worship
Faith: Strict original teachings
Language: Pali
Goal: Individual salvation (Arhat)
🚀 Mahayana (Greater Vehicle)
Belief: Idol Worship (Buddha as God)
Faith: Bodhisattvas
Language: Sanskrit
Goal: Salvation for all
⚡ Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle)
Basis: Tantric philosophy (Magic/Spells)
Emerged: Medieval period
Tripitaka — Buddhist Literature
Language: Pali
▼
| Text | Meaning | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Sutta Pitaka | Basket of Discourse | Core teachings & dialogues of Buddha · Largest Pitaka |
| Vinaya Pitaka | Basket of Discipline | Rules and conduct for monks and nuns |
| Abhidhamma Pitaka | Basket of Philosophy | Metaphysics and philosophy |
- Dipavamsa & Mahavamsa: Sri Lankan chronicles discussing Buddhist history
- First written down: 1st Century BCE in Sri Lanka under King Vattagamani
Other Important Buddhist Texts
▼
| Text | Details |
|---|---|
| Milinda Panha | Language: Pali · Meaning: "Questions of Milinda" · Dialogue between Indo-Greek King Menander I (Milinda) and Monk Nagasena |
| Buddhacharita | Language: Sanskrit · Author: Ashvaghosha (Court poet of Kanishka) |
| Jataka Tales | Stories of Buddha's previous births |
Key Fact: First idol worshipped in India was likely that of
Buddha (Mathura School of Art)
Key Buddhist Terms
▼
Chaitya
Worship Hall / Prayer Hall
Vihara
Monastery
Residence place for monks
Stupa
Place for Buddha's relics
Related to Buddha & his disciples
Dhamma
Dharma
The Teachings of Buddha
3 Types of Stupas
Saririka
Collection of bodily relics
Paribhogika
Objects used by Buddha
Uddesika
Symbolic / Commemorative
Important Stupas & Locations
▼
| Stupa | Location | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Kesariya Stupa | Bihar | Largest Stupa in the world |
| Dhamek Stupa | Sarnath, UP | Site of Buddha's First Sermon |
| Sanchi Stupa | Madhya Pradesh | Built by Ashoka |
| Bharhut Stupa | Madhya Pradesh | Famous for railings and sculptures |
| Ramabhar Stupa | Kushinagar, UP | Site of cremation (Mahaparinirvana) |
| Borobudur Stupa | Indonesia | Largest Buddhist temple — Shailendra Dynasty |
| Bavikonda Stupa | Andhra Pradesh | Ancient monastic site |
| Piprahwa Stupa | Uttar Pradesh | Oldest Stupa — Kapilavastu relics |
| Dharmarajika | Taxila, Pakistan | Built by Ashoka |
Buddhist Universities
▼
| University | Founder / Ruler | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Nalanda | Kumaragupta I (Gupta) | Bihar |
| Vikramashila | Dharmapala (Pala) | Bihar |
| Odantapuri | Gopala (Pala) | Bihar |
⚠ TRAP 01 — Council Locations (Buddhist vs Jain)
Buddhist 1st = Rajagriha · Buddhist 2nd = Vaishali · Buddhist 3rd = Pataliputra · Buddhist 4th =
Kashmir
Jain 1st = Pataliputra · Jain 2nd = Vallabhi
Mnemonic: Buddhist = Ra-Va-Pa-Ku | Rulers = Aj-Ka-A-K
Jain 1st = Pataliputra · Jain 2nd = Vallabhi
Mnemonic: Buddhist = Ra-Va-Pa-Ku | Rulers = Aj-Ka-A-K
⚠ TRAP 02 — Pitaka Compiled at Which Council
1st Council: Sutta Pitaka + Vinaya Pitaka
3rd Council (Ashoka): Abhidhamma Pitaka compiled
2nd Council: No new text — Sangha split only
3rd Council (Ashoka): Abhidhamma Pitaka compiled
2nd Council: No new text — Sangha split only
⚠ TRAP 03 — Hinayana vs Mahayana Language
Hinayana = Pali (strict, original teachings, individual salvation)
Mahayana = Sanskrit (idol worship, Buddha as God, salvation for all)
Vajrayana = Tantric (medieval period)
Mahayana = Sanskrit (idol worship, Buddha as God, salvation for all)
Vajrayana = Tantric (medieval period)
⚠ TRAP 04 — Largest Stupa vs Largest Buddhist Temple
Largest Stupa in world = Kesariya (Bihar)
Largest Buddhist temple = Borobudur (Indonesia) — Shailendra dynasty
Oldest Stupa = Piprahwa (UP) — Kapilavastu relics
Largest Buddhist temple = Borobudur (Indonesia) — Shailendra dynasty
Oldest Stupa = Piprahwa (UP) — Kapilavastu relics
⚠ TRAP 05 — First Bhikkhuni
First Bhikkhuni = Prajapati Gautami (Buddha's stepmother — who raised him)
Uski wajah se hi Buddha ke Sangha mein women ko allow kiya gaya.
Uski wajah se hi Buddha ke Sangha mein women ko allow kiya gaya.
⚠ TRAP 06 — Buddha's Life Key Ages
Left home at age 29 (Four Sights seen at Kapilavastu)
Enlightenment at age 35 (Bodh Gaya, Vaishakh Purnima)
Death at 483 BCE (Kushinagar) — born 563 BCE → lived 80 years
Enlightenment at age 35 (Bodh Gaya, Vaishakh Purnima)
Death at 483 BCE (Kushinagar) — born 563 BCE → lived 80 years
⚠ TRAP 07 — Nalanda University Founder
Nalanda = Kumaragupta I (Gupta dynasty)
Vikramashila = Dharmapala (Pala dynasty)
Odantapuri = Gopala (Pala dynasty)
Nalanda ko Gupta ne banaya — Pala ne nahi!
Vikramashila = Dharmapala (Pala dynasty)
Odantapuri = Gopala (Pala dynasty)
Nalanda ko Gupta ne banaya — Pala ne nahi!
⚠ TRAP 08 — Milinda Panha
Milinda Panha = Dialogue between King Menander I (Milinda) and Monk Nagasena
Language = Pali · Meaning = "Questions of Milinda"
Menander = Indo-Greek ruler — NOT Indian ruler!
Language = Pali · Meaning = "Questions of Milinda"
Menander = Indo-Greek ruler — NOT Indian ruler!
Buddha's childhood name?
Siddhartha
Born at?
Lumbini, Nepal · 563 BCE
Died at?
Kushinagar, UP · 483 BCE
Father's name?
Shuddhodana
Head of Shakya clan, Kapilavastu
Mother's name?
Maya Devi
Princess of Koliya clan
First Bhikkhuni?
Prajapati Gautami
Buddha's stepmother
Son's name?
Rahul
Meaning: Fetter/Bond
Left home at age?
29
Mahabhinishkramana
Enlightenment at age?
35
Bodh Gaya, Vaishakh Purnima
Buddha's horse name?
Kanthaka
Charioteer name?
Channa (Chhana)
First Guru of Buddha?
Alara Kalama
Vaishali · Sankhya Philosophy
Second Guru of Buddha?
Udraka Ramaputta
Rajagriha
5 Ascetics met at?
Uruvela
Enlightenment river?
Niranjana (Phalgu)
Bodh Gaya, Bihar
First Sermon place?
Sarnath (Deer Park)
Most Sermons place?
Shravasti (Kosala)
Buddhist language?
Pali
Cause of Suffering?
Desire / Tanha
2nd Noble Truth
1st Council — place/ruler?
Rajagriha · Ajatashatru
483 BCE · Mahakasyapa
2nd Council — place/ruler?
Vaishali · Kalashoka
383 BCE · Sabakami
3rd Council — place/ruler?
Pataliputra · Ashoka
250 BCE · Moggalliputta Tissa
4th Council — place/ruler?
Kashmir · Kanishka
72 AD · Vasumitra
Council mnemonic (places)?
Ra-Va-Pa-Ku
Council mnemonic (rulers)?
Aj-Ka-A-K
Largest Pitaka?
Sutta Pitaka
Abhidhamma Pitaka compiled at?
3rd Council (Pataliputra)
Hinayana language?
Pali
Mahayana language?
Sanskrit
Largest Stupa in world?
Kesariya, Bihar
Largest Buddhist temple?
Borobudur, Indonesia
Shailendra Dynasty
Oldest Stupa?
Piprahwa, UP
Kapilavastu relics
Sanchi Stupa built by?
Ashoka
Nalanda University founder?
Kumaragupta I (Gupta)
Vikramashila founder?
Dharmapala (Pala)
Milinda Panha — dialogue between?
Menander I & Nagasena
Buddhacharita author?
Ashvaghosha
Court poet of Kanishka
Jataka Tales about?
Buddha's previous births
Renunciation symbol?
Horse
First Sermon symbol?
Wheel (Chakra)