Who was the Buddha? 

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One crucial element to the Siddhartha Gautama origin story is that his parents received revelations that their son would become a great sage. So they purposefully kept Siddhartha sheltered and "in the dark" about the miseries of the world.

I have a master's in Buddhist Studies. Throughout the video, I kept saying "Oh, I hope he mentions X" or "I hope he introduces some nuance about this issue" or "I hope he contrasts the academic and the traditional understanding of the Buddha's life" and each time you did. Of course, there are many more details and uncertainties of the life of the Buddha that you could have gone into, but for a short RU-vid video, I think you did an excellent job. Also, if you plan do do a video on Theravada Buddhism, my area of specialty, I'll be happy to point you towards some resources and scholars of note :)

"...Little Buddha starring Keanu Reeves." What! This is the most shocking part of the video!

In the story about Siddhartha being sheltered, he also is sheltered for a reason. His parents were told by a sage that their son will be either the greatest king, or the greatest monk. His father was terrified of the prospect of his son leaving him, had ordered that all suffering was to be removed from the palace.

Dad went to find salvation from the cycle of re-birth and suffering is definitely a cooler story than going to buy a pack of cigarettes.

An important event in Siddhartas seeking, was when a milk maid, saw that he was weak from fasting, and gave him milk. This act of kindness changed his attitude, and he remembered when he fell naturally into a state of meditation as a child. So.he gave up extremes, like austerity, and discovered the Middle Way, between grasping and aversion

I think one of my favorite things about the Buddha's story is that he gave various teachers and paths a good go, but once he realized they weren't working for him, he tried something else instead of engaging in sunk cost fallacy. It's a good lesson about being self-aware enough to know that you have genuinely given something your best shot and it's okay to move on.

As a Therawada buddhist from Sri Lanka,i feel that you did a great job. Appreciate your effort in spreading religious literacy among the both religious and irreligious. Well done Andrew❤

I am a Theravada buddhist from Bangladesh.....I really appreciate all the research you do.....

Buddha is a state of being, a way of life. Buddha is a way to free you from the material world. Buddhist teachings are so beautiful and are the foundation of my beliefs. All is empty. Namo Buddhaya ☸️

In Slavic languages “budan” means to be awake. Looks like same Sanskrit roots !!

The word “Buddha” itself makes me feel peaceful 🙏 The fact that he was not a god or any celestial being but just Human just like all of us makes it easy to connect with Buddhist philosophy

Love this video! I was born and raised in a home of Buddhism (mainly) and Taoism beliefs . Grandma always taught me about Buddhism and even had dvd cartoon of the stories of Buddhism . They were very fond memories

there are so many low-effort, hyperbolic, clout-chasing, trend-hopping, insincere videos on Buddhism on youtube-modernist Buddhism for the algorithm. This is not one of those videos. Looking forward to the video on Pure Land.

Wow Avatar the Last Air Bender took a lot of inspiration from Buddhism

As a Buddhit from Sri Lanka, this is a fantastic video! Just stumbled upon your channel +1 sub.

Buddha woke me up. He was chilling in my mind during meditation. Buddha was sitting there playing a guitar instrumental. His instrument puts thoughts in our heads. He guides us by fate. He is the metronome.

Thank you for highlighting the “non-rational” aspects of Buddhism- reincarnation, gods, spirits, miraculous signs, incarnations of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, etc. sincerely, a Buddhist

I am a therawada buddhist from Sri Lanka..I have to say the buddhas time period about which historians say is not our acceptance. Actually each may-full moon; we mark the Buddhas passing away and count years from then..just like christians count years from jesus's birth. In thailand and our buddhist countries we are in 2565th buddhist year now. According to our acceptance buddha was born 2565+ 80 years ago,means 623 BC.

I grew up in Thailand, and the widely practiced version of Buddhism there is Theravada, which has been merged with Animism, meaning there is a strong belief in evil spirits that can harm humans, and many rituals to ward off or appease those spirits. Most houses around Chiang Mai where I grew up would have some kind of spirit house on a pillar or shrine where offerings would traditionally be made to spirits who may be around your home. It’s hard to say how much of the population of Thailand believes in the demonology side of this version, but over 90% of the country’s people identify as Theravada Buddhists, and beautiful temples ordained with depictions of the thinner, meditative Buddha can be found all over.

"we will talk about that realization in a later video" that cliff hanger...

Best video I ever saw on the subject! Thank you for your amazing work!

I am a Buddhist from Nepal... we have lots of teachings still going on taught by monks in Gumba (stupa) it is really good to hear your explanation. Appreciate your work ❤

Very cool video. I live in Japan and have enjoyed observing Buddhism as practiced in Japan. It’s very different from the ideas talked about in this video, and is more than anything a system for remembering one’s ancestors, especially your parents and grandparents. Very few Japanese know anything about Buddhism except maybe for what sect they belong to, unless they happen to have a Buddhist priest in the family.

As a Buddhist student I say in general knowledge you have describe very well about Buddha and Buddhism... Thanks for research and much as for this video ✌️

A good summary of the history of the Buddha and Buddhism in general. Well done.

The concise way in which you interpret current & historical perspectives on philosophical/religious thought is exceptional and greatly appreciated.

He transcended his intellect. The tool we use to discern and discriminate. He managed to realise this tool causes knowledge to crystallise, creating a division between the observer and the observed when, in fact, there is none. The dog stops chasing its own tail, so to speak, with this realisation. He is in the world, but not of it, and anybody who gets to his level of "conditioning" is actually no different from him... even if the time period appears different. Pretty unique way of achieving immortality...

Thank you so much for pointing out the supernatural elements of Buddhism. It drives me crazy when people say "it's not a religion, it's just a life philosophy." I hope you talk about how karma is understood in supernatural ways, too, and isn't just "the law of cause and effect."

I just went to see the Ajanta caves in India. The caves are dedicated to Buddha and the paintings and carvings are from 2th century BC. The place is full of jataka tales of Bodhisatvas. Very informative.

Thank you so much for this video! I have tried to put together something like this for the religion class I teach in high school that is accessable to high school kids. Alot of this is from much longer and more complex stuff that I can't get high school kids to read. I found you channel last year and started using it in my virtual learning set up, and its just such a great reserouce for my high school kids!

I would suggest people to visit Lumbini in Nepal, that is the birth place of Buddha. I've visited there, it was so peaceful and beautiful. There are many monasteries built by different countries, which is very interesting.

Fantastic overview! I am stoked about the rest of the series! Thank you!!!

Your ability to spread knowledge no matter the circumsatnce of the world is beautiful

Separated from the rest of the world's influence Indias cultures and religions are fascinating. Buddha's story is one of the greatest in history having divinity properties from struggling.

Thank you for explaining about our religious to the world. We, buddhists are weak in English to explain all about them. I wish you make this kind of content again and again.

I was actually looking for some info on Buddhism. Thanks! This was convenient.

I'd love to hear more about taoism. I was extremely well versed in the subject a few years ago and would love a heavily detailed refresher video similar to this.

Great video, i've read and watched a few things about buddhism but this was very concise and easy to understand. Your content is great. Thank you for posting. I was raised Roman Catholic and learned about buddhism in my teens. I would never consider myself a Buddhist but the Eight Fold Path really helps me lead a happier life.

Sending love from the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, Nepal 🇳🇵🇳🇵🙏🤗🥀 We feel very proud of our land who give birth to son like Gautam Buddha who teaches the lesson of Peace and non violence to the entire world 🌎..Namo Buddha,Namo Nepal 🙏🇳🇵💟

Fantastic video as always Andrew! Appreciate your work in spreading religious literacy among both the religious and the irreligious

Great video! Buddhism is probably the most interesting religion to me so I never get tired of learning more about it.

always straight forward, informative and easy to digest videos, glad i found this channel

[1]Taṇhaṅkara(Tṛṣṇaṃkara) [2]Medhaṅkara(Medhaṃkara) [3]Saraṇaṅkara(Śaraṇaṃkara) [4]Dīpaṃkara(Dīpaṃkara) [5]Koṇḍañña(Kauṇḍinya) [6]Maṅgala (Maṃgala) [7]Sumana(Sumanas) [8 ]Revata(Raivata) [9]Sobhita(Śobhita) [10]Anomadassi (Anavamadarśin) [11]Paduma(Padma) [12] Nārada(Nārada) [13]Padumuttara(Padmottara) [14]Sumedha [15]Sujāta [16]Piyadassi(Priyadarśin ) [17] Atthadassi(Arthadarśin) [18]Dhammadassī (Dharmadarśin) [19]Siddhattha(Siddhārtha) [20]Tissa [21]Phussa(Puṣya) [22]Vipassī [23]Sikhī [24]Vessabhū(Viśvabhú) [25]Kakusandha [26]Koṇāgamana [27]Kassapa (Kāśyapa) [28]Gotama (current) Gautama (current) Next Buddha is called by [29]Metteyya(Maitreya)

Another great video! You're a great presenter and I appreciate the images and video clips you intersperse throughout it. Can't wait to see the next in the series.

Thank you so much for making this video! I never thought I needed a non-biased analysis so much. I struggle to understand the logic behind the cycle of life, and it would never truly be answered now that you pointed out the historical gap. But I'm okay with that now, I already knew. As a religion Buddhism actually helped me to think logically, keeping religious reasoning off my head, see beyond what people tell what is right and wrong, then prove anything through facts and first hand experience. Ehipassiko is my form of social ascension. I wish nobody becomes blinded by their own religious beliefs, though... It can be sickening sometimes.

currently studying my MA and I love this video. Fun fact, the Buddha was not depicted until several centuries after his death instead being represented by symbols such as the tree and a wheel. He's also stated to 32 marks that represent him as a great man from birth to show all his efforts in past lives. The bump on his head and hair on his forehead are only two of these marks.

Great video and thanks for that. The ancient tradition of Dharmik religions of India, which Buddhism is part of, has common roots including the language of Sanskrit and the knowledge of right vs wrong. One of the the ultimate stages of meditation is “Vipasyana” which is extremely difficult to achieve and it’s said that Siddharth Gautam attained it and could stay in Vipsayana stage forever. Probably earlier followers of Boddhi satva (earlier Buddhas) could attain it too. But Gautam Buddha’s attainment is more well know .

“Radiate boundless love towards the entire world.”

I'm only halfway through, but this is making me really emotional for some reason... Great work 👍

People after the Buddha had attached the supernatural elements to him. Buddha himself refrained himself from such elements throughout his life on this planet. He was a sincere seeker to the core of Arya Dharma. He told people not to believe him blindly but to come and experience his teaching first before making any conclusion. Such a humble spiritual master!. Humanity could not such a human being since last two and a half millenias! Love and Peace!.

From nepal I was born as the same day as Buddha it's a festival in nepal (Buddha Jayanthi) I am happy to be born in such a wonderful nation and day

He was a jolly happy well mannered rich kid who recognized that his life was an inequity .. Tired and bored with all the material aspects and the required massive responsibility ,it was joyous to leave it behind . And to share that joy .

I was always confused on the history of the Buddha and how there ended up being different Buddhas. Thank you for setting a lot of my confusion straight.

"One in a long line of Buddhas" sounds a lot like the Jainism teaching about a long line of Tirthankaras, the last historical one (Mahavira) living around the same time and place as the historical Buddha and both (coincidentally?) Being born as a prince into royal families and starting their spiritual journeys around the same age of 30.

Love the Buddha from Cambodia ❤️🇰🇭💛❤️🩵💙💚Thank you so much🙏💝💝💝

It's funny to me that so many disagreements of Buddhism happen simply due to linguistic variances. I would say that Samsara is similar to people working for an employer who will never recognize them. Awakening is the Epiphany that they don't need to keep feeding into this cycle. In my eyes, a midlife crisis can qualify as an awakening, and so everyone has the same potential. Even though it is the Kali Yuga, we have succeeded in helping humanity achieve a state of recognition that matters to them I'm so proud of humanity for getting to this point, it truly is a time for change

Really excellent information. Your video presentation is masterful. You’ve nailed the challenge of making the complex more elegant.

I love Buddhism really rich and interesting tradition with a lot of teaching to learn from

The way this video explains samsara and Nirvana makes it much easier to understand the core of Buddhist philosophy. Thank you for making these complex concepts so accessible!

Anyways wanted to learn more about the Buddha. Best video I've seen on this topic so far. Can't wait for the next one!

Siddhartha Gautama points to some shoes: “What are those?”

Awesome video Andrew! And I really liked that you're working on a video on Pure Land Buddhism

As an Indian, i would like to thank you for making this informative video. Even though I am from the Land of Buddha, I never knew much about him, but your video helped. Can you please make a video on difference between moksha and nirvana, I always get confused.

My first thought when letting about Buddhism when I was little was that the story of Siddhartha Gautama is that of a sheltered rich kid trying to come to terms with the shock that human frailty exists.

This is the best , accurate explanation in Buddhism on youtube, well researched and well presented thankyou verymuch, from sri lanka

This is the first time I’ve heard about the Buddha’s previous life; such a great video as always!

i am from Nepal and proud to say that BUDDHA was born in Nepal

You did a very good job of explaining a difficult and complicated subject quite effectively and efficiently.

I am from Nepal🇳🇵following Mahayana Buddhism. Thank you for cool Buddha video.

Budhai: I can't believe he's not Buddha.

What a great video. You have summerised a long history of life of Buddha into one single video... Appreciate your effort 🙏

Amazing video! I remember growing up knowing that traditional story of Buddha and being so surprised after doing research and realizing how much more complicated and fascinating it was.

Amazing presentation! Thank you for all the effort and for everything you do for us ♥️

The idea of Buddhism being atheist and only about meaningless meditation is due to the sad fact that Buddhism in the west is adopted by middle class, bourgeois people who have serious problems with the idea of religion, god, etc. Buddhism in the west was changed to suit western middle classes world view.

I am a Buddhist from India and this video is well researched. According to Buddhist mythology, there will be a future Buddha named Maitreya Buddha who will guide the humans in future.

I am a Buddhist Hindu my mother is Hindu and my father is Buddhist. I am from the northern state of India called Himachal Pradesh and we follow Himalayan Hinduism which is almost same to Tibetan Buddhism because majority of Buddhist in India follow tibetan Buddhism cause we share boundary with Tibet In Himachal you cannot say who is Buddhist or who is Hindu because we are very identical to each other we follow the same daily routine the same worshipping even many Hindu's go to monestry to pray if they cannot make to the temple and Buddhist go to temple if they cannot go to monastery also we Hindu's and Buddhist in Himachal Pradesh worship the same Himalayan Dieties

Absolutely great. Thank you very much. Excellent presentation. Waiting for next episode..

I’m Buddhist and I quite like Budai, his big smile comforts me

I only recently discovered this youtube channel and it's just... incredible

O, can't wait for the Pure Land Buddhism video!

I love the Buddhism playlist so much :)

buddhism is one of those belief systems that I genuinely believe would improve my life and make me happier if I were to follow it, but I've always felt that it'd be a bit disingenuous of me to try and join in after being raised in another religion and then leaving it, especially being born in a country with very little buddhist presence. It's still always a treat to learn more about it, though

He was a King, Sitta Gutama, travel to Napal, to see Buddha’s palace, very very beautiful 🙏

I am a Christian who is interested in Buddhism. Thanks for this video. Looking forward to the next.

Would love a detailed dive into padmasambavas aka Guru rinpoches life as well. It is my belief that the Tibetan Book of the Dead has only received partial translation and the original might hold quite a bit more wisdom.

Very solid and concise video. One small note that can help with the understanding of what a Buddha is: It is not enough to attain awakening to be a Buddha. A Buddha is one who attains awakening AND teaches. There are beings who attain enlightenment but never teach anyone what they've realized. They're known as Pratyekabuddha, or "solitary realizers".

This was so interesting and I loved all the nuances. So happy my prof linked on of your videos! Are you thinking of doing a series on Hinduism soon?

Good stuff, you skipped most of the interactions with Mara (one of my favorite parts is when all of Maras armies shoot weapons at the Buddha and he raises his hands and they all turn to flowers and drop at his feet), but of course it’s a short video.

The film little buddha (keanu reeves plays buddha) depicts most of this. Very interesting to see it more in context.

I am buddhist and i agree that everything you say is true.

Your videos are so wonderful. I've never seen anyone on youtube offer as concise an analysis as this when it comes to describing who the Buddha was and what he came to the earth for. Thank you!!

Interesting presentation. I would have liked to hear you discuss the difference in Theravada & Mahayana Buddhism- the later having more of the esoteric, mythological teachings. The Pali cannon, which the Theravada Buddhists follow just focuses on the teachings regarding the path out of suffering. 🙏🏼

"The Buddha came at a time of great religious decadence and misuse in his own nation. And though he was born a prince, he had to give that up, you see. But he also had to give up the life of a pure ascetic because he realized that neither was really the correct pathway. He had to build a spiritual practice that was apart from all of the mythology and idolatry and hierarchical misuse of the religious practices that were so prevalent in his time, and in so many parts of the world at that time, with the emphasis on inner development, the emphasis on purifying and clarifying the mind, the emphasis upon reaching a higher ethical understanding about being in the world. What you must understand here is that he lived at a time when social change and progress were really not possible. It was a religion for building the inner life, not for impacting the outer life essentially, not directly. Because at that period of time, it was not possible to create real social progress. That would have to wait until later eras, and the Messengers of later eras would emphasize this because they were living at such a time when that was possible." A quote from The New Message from God teaching entitled *Buddha and the New Message from God*

I will never forget my experience during Meditation, just focusing my Consiousness in the Pineal Gland and fully letting go to " unknown" then i was traveling into this, felt like an energy spiral light vortex.. then i pop-up to dimensions where i can see Cosmos or space.. Light, Consiousness, Energy, Frequency, Vibrations. Indeed! we are Energy Light Beings.. 👁️🧘

A religion that many Chinese worship that came from India :)

Thank you very much for this fantastic video! Waiting for the next!

Super interesting info and very well delivered!

Excellent video. Very interesting, informative and worthwhile video. A must see video for everyone.