Advertisement

Enlightened about buddha

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP

Today is a public holiday in celebration of Buddha's birthday. For many, it's a day to take it easy and relax, to put away the worries of work.

But CitySeen is curious about the origins of the holiday and about the facts surrounding Buddha, father of one of the world's great religions.

So here's a set of fast facts for those seeking to bluff their way through the day, thanks to Buddha.net and other sources.

Advertisement

There are about 300 million Buddhists around the world.

Buddhism originated about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, gained enlightenment at the age of 35.

Advertisement

Born into a royal family in what is now Nepal, Siddhartha realised at 29 that wealth and luxury don't guarantee happiness. After studying and meditating for six years, he found the path to enlightenment and taught the principles of Buddhism until his death at 80.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x