The Biography of Sakyamuni Buddha
Graphic Chapter Summaries as told by the Buddha’s Birthday Education Project Welcome
Welcome to the Graphic Chapter Summaries of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s The Biography of Sakyamuni Buddha.
This compilation provides a distilled summary of each chapter of the book from the perspective of the members of the BBEP (Buddha’s Birthday Education Project) Book Club and has been revised by Venerable Dr. Juewei of the Nan Tien Institute (NTI) Humanistic Buddhism Centre (HBC).
In 2014, the Humanistic Buddhism Centre was established in Australia. The Centre focuses on using research, education and innovation to bring the Buddha’s message to life.
As one of the teams under the HBC, BBEP is proud to continue the story. We are passionate about utilising art, technology and media to convey the extraordinary wisdom of the Dharma.
Do visit our other projects including our Humanistic Buddhism podcast series on Soundcloud, and the Turning Points: Stories of Humanistic Buddhism page on Facebook.
Humanistic Buddhism Centre
Turning Points: Stories of Humanistic Buddhism
We hope you enjoy this commentary of the Buddha’s life in graphic form, and are inspired to engage in the practice of Humanistic Buddhism. Chapter 1 Introduction
Venerable Master Hsing Yun explains the necessity of evidence in choosing a religious path - that we take into account the promises and demeanour of the path and leader to assess its appropriateness for us as followers.
As an introduction, Venerable Master gives a short historical overview of the founder of Buddhism, Sakyamuni Buddha, and describes his qualities in matching the criteria for an appropriate religious leader.
The leader must have existed, as proven by historical records.
The leader must have taken the path they have promised to bring happiness.
Their nature must be pure and their character perfected.
Most importantly for us, can we trust them and their promises? Chapter 2 Ancient Indian Society
The caste system:
Brahmans
Hindu priests, ruled the hierarchy through assertion of the Manusmrti.
Ksatriyas
Noblemen and kings who divided and ruled land among themselves.
Vaisyas
Farmers and traders who were denied basic education by higher classes.
Sudras
An underclass of slave-like labourers “born to work for the upper classes.” Chapter 3 Ancient Indian Thought
While the Brahmans asserted brutal authority, philosophers began to develop theories to explain the phenomena of the universe both physical and metaphysical. This resulted in an over-abundance of belief systems, ranging from pure materialism to pure austerity, leading society into confusion as to what to follow. Chapter 4 The Buddha’s Family History
City of Kapilavastu City of Devadaha
King Simhahanu & Kaccana King Anjana
Yashodhara King Suddhodana
Queen Maya
Siddhartha Chapter 5 King Suddhodana and Queen Maya
“My lord, we are slowly growing older and yet we have no children to call our own. You are the king of this land. How can a king be without an heir?
All of the kings of the past had concubines in their royal families...You should invite more women to the palace, so that they may bear you a son.” “No, if it is my fate to have no heir, then even if all the women in the world came to the palace, it would not make a difference.” Chapter 6 Birth at Lumbini Grove
“This is my last birth into this world. It is for the sake of realizing Buddhahood that I have come into this world. I am the greatest enlightened being, and am here to liberate all beings.” Chapter 7 Prophecy of the Seer
“An heir of great wisdom and ability has been born, and he shall become the savior of the world...If he would succeed the throne,...he would unite the countries in the four directions and rule as a sagely monarch...However, if the prince chooses to renounce the distractions of the world,...he shall realize the path of liberation and become a fully enlightened Buddha.”
“...just as you imagine. The prince will renounce the householder’s life and fulfill the spiritual path. He will attain supreme enlightenment.”
The prince possessed the complete thirty-two marks of excellence and eighty notable characteristics of a Buddha Chapter 8 Education of the Young Prince
Within the shortest span of time, the prince had mastered each and every skill presented to him.
The Five Sciences: The Four Vedas:
Language Rigveda (health)
Art and Mathematics Samaveda (ritual)
Medicine Yajurveda (military)
Logic Atharvaveda (spells)
Philosophy Chapter 9 The Beautiful Yasodhara
Even though he had all the riches and prestige one could dream of, Siddhartha remained in existential depression.
King Suddhodhana then desperately arranged Siddhartha’s marriage to Princess Yasodhara, which brought them a son, Rahula (meaning Fetter). Chapter 10 The Prince Ventures Outside
Siddhartha convinced King Suddhodana to let him venture outside of the palace walls.
The King conceded, but (unsuccessfully) staged each of the ventures so that Siddhartha would remain oblivious to the realities of life:
Old-age
Sickness
Death Chapter 11 The Greatest Temptation
“Beloved Prince, you are still young...Why do you reject these women?...there is nothing in this world that brings more happiness than love... The love of women is a prize countless men chase after..Prince, do not cast away this rare opportunity.”
“This world is a great sea of aging, illness, and death. It is the focal point of all suffering. After realizing this, who would still have the heart to chase after momentary pleasures?” Chapter 12 Renunciation
“If you leave to pursue spiritual practice, you will not find what you are looking for.”
“If you are able to grant me four requests, then I can reconsider my wish to renounce:” Eliminate old-age
Eliminate sickness
Eliminate death
Create equality
“I have left home to become a renunciant...My only wish is to reach the exalted state of equality in all things...If I do not work to liberate beings from the great sea of birth and death, who will?” Chapter 13 Chandaka and Kanthaka
Siddhartha traveled to the forest where ascetic Bhargava lived. He gave his horse, crown and jewelries to his servant Chandaka and commanded him to return back to the palace.
“Look at these birds chirping in the woods. Every day at dusk...they gather together in the forest.
But when the dawn comes, they disperse. Is this not like life?” Chapter 14 Forest of Ascetics
Siddhartha met many ascetics in the forest who practiced many different austerities in order to seek rebirth in heavenly realms.
Ascetic practices will not lead to liberation from birth and death. To find the true path Siddhartha left the forest and went to the Vindhya mountains looking for the sage Arada. Chapter 15 Grief of the Kingdom
Chandaka returned to the city and told everyone that the prince had become a renunciant. The people panicked, the Queen Mahapajapati was devastated. His wife Yasodhara was heartbroken.
The king Suddhodana was suffering too. He sent his ministers and many soldiers to find the prince and bring him home. Chapter 16 The Troops Give Chase
After some time the grand procession caught the prince in the middle of the road. The king asked the prince to return to the palace and succeed the throne.
Siddhartha explained that his resolve would not change. He was determined to find the truth for himself. One cannot hope to reach the truth by following old traditions.
“A wise man does not trust the directions given to him by a blind man on dark night.” Chapter 17 King Bimbisara Tempts the Prince
When the prince was passing Magadha, the King Bimbisara tempted him by offering half of his kingdom. The king was convinced that a man must attain the pleasures of the five desires when young, power in middle age and truth as an elder.
But Siddhartha declined;
over time, the five desires become overwhelming,
the seeking for power and wealth causes war and anxiety,
the elderly lack the power, energy and determination of youth. Chapter 18 Visiting the Sage Arada
The sage Arada was master of scriptures. He taught Siddhartha all he knew. But the prince had doubts about this teaching. He still had some questions unanswered.
After much fruitless searching, he decided to practice in solitude and look for the truth for himself. Chapter 19 Practicing on Mount Gaya
Siddhartha pursued his ascetic practices far more strictly than most, but realised liberation could not be achieved by torturing the body. When he collapsed, a shepherd girl was passing by. Seeing the emaciated prince, she offered him some milk.
“I vow never to rise from this seat until I am liberated from birth and death and realise enlightenment.” Chapter 20 Defeating Mara’s Army
Many heavenly beings rejoiced, they hoped he would soon open the gates to enlightenment.
But Mara was upset and sent his army to attack with arrows and various temptations. Siddhartha sat, remaining unmoved and after some time Mara had no choice but to retreat. Chapter 21 Supreme Enlightenment
Siddhartha entered deep meditation, where he could perceive the experience of all his past lives, millions of births and deaths as different beings. Seeing all phenomena clearly, he became the Buddha, the Awakened One.
Understanding the Universal Dharma, he came to know the Six Realms of existence and the Causes and Conditions of the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination. He saw how all beings were suffering.
After having attained enlightenment, the Buddha continued to meditate for 21 days under the bodhi tree. He saw that liberation is only possible through the practice of what would come to be called the Noble Eightfold Path. Chapter 22 Turning the Dharma Wheel
The Buddha left for Deer Park to teach the Dharma and was met by Upaka on the way:
“Who are you? Why do you possess such auspicious characteristics?”
“Upaka, I have become the Buddha of this world.”
On meeting his former ascetics:
“If you wish to be free of suffering, you must practice the ‘path’... If you do not understand these four truths then liberation is not possible...” Chapter 23 The First Layman and Laywoman
Searching desperately for his son he’d presumed committed suicide, Yasa’s father met the Buddha.
Hearing his teachings, learning of his past as the prince, and seeing his son’s safety as a bhiksu, Yasa’s father and mother became the Buddha’s first lay disciples.
Having accepted 50 of Yasa’s friends as bhiksus, the Buddha left them to spread the Dharma as he traveled to Mount Gaya. Chapter 24 Three Kasyapas
The Buddha met the famous Uruvilva Kasyapa in Mount Gaya and resolved, despite advice, to stay in a cave in which lived a poisonous dragon.
In this cave, the Buddha was confronted by the dragon but not harmed;
“If the mind is pure, then no harm will come.”
This led to Kasyapa’s discipleship.
Discovering their brother’s renunciation, Nadi and Kaya, upon meeting the Buddha were filled with reverence and became bhiksus with all of their disciples. Chapter 25 King Bimbisara Seeks Refuge
Upon hearing of his arrival to Magadha, King Bimbisara welcomed the Buddha and asked him for a teaching. The Buddha taught him of the senses and their consciousnesses, and the three Dharma seals - Impermanence, Non-self and Nirvana:
“Forget the self and seek to benefit all beings. Next, forget both so that the mind becomes immovable. This is nirvana.” Chapter 26 Bamboo Grove Monastery
In thanks, the King built Kalandaka Vihara for the Buddha’s disciples.
When bhiksus were becoming more commonplace, Upatisya, a scholar, met Bhiksu Asvajit and was swayed to meet the Buddha. With his companion, Kolita, and their disciples, they went to meet the Buddha and ordained as Sariputra and Maudgalyayana.
At Vulture Peak, the Buddha was served by Jiva, a royal physician, and met Mahakasyapa, a rich man and both became disciples:
“I knew long ago that today would be the day of your liberation. In the days to come, you will be very helpful in spreading my teachings.” Chapter 27 Jetavana Monastery
Hearing of the Buddha, the elder Sudatta left With the growing number of Bhiksus and in the middle of the night to meet him. He monasteries, there came uproar from other organised with Prince Jeta of Sravasti to build a religious sects who proposed a grand debate. monastery in his favourite garden. The prince’s Sariputra’s eloquence won the debate and initial reluctance was swayed by Sudatta’s he brought many to become followers of devotion to the Buddha the Buddha. Chapter 28 King Prasenajit Seeks Refuge
“Great king, I remind you, it is not necessary to become a renunciant to practice the path...there is no difference between a bhiksu and layperson.”
And so King Prasenajit became a lay disciple.
“Who is this Buddha? How does he inspire such reverence and faith among the people?”
Four small things that should never be taken lightly:
a young prince
a baby dragon
a small spark
a novice monastic Chapter 29 Return to Kapilavastu
King Suddhodhana was upset at the Buddha’s lack of affection, but his son’s homecoming and the fact that he had become a Buddha gave him happiness he could not hide.
Yasodhara, too, was upset, but on meeting the Buddha, and hearing his teaching, she and everyone else were overjoyed. “I now know that this world is filled with joy, but none of you can see it. All of you are still mired in the deep abyss of aging, illness and death...If any of you wish to be liberated, the only way to do so is through the Noble Eightfold Path.” Chapter 30 The Princes Embrace the Dharma
The sudra Upali felt great sadness as he watched the princes Devadatta, Ananda, Aniruddha, Bhadra and Bhasa ordain. But, contrary to his worries, he too was accepted and ordained.
Subsequently, contemplating the future of Kapilavastu, the Buddha ordained Rahula and Nanda, the would-be successors.
Nanda, however, was still attached to his wife Sundari, so the Buddha showed him heaven and hell to strengthen his initially joking resolve to become a bhiksu:
“Nanda, do not cry. Change your ways and practice. It is not too late.” Chapter 31 The Passing of King Suddhodana
With so many bhiksus, two monasteries and much travel, the Buddha had developed a systematic way of teaching in the summer retreat period.
One day at Vulture Peak the Buddha learned that his father was ill and suffering. He took Rahula and Nanda to Kapilavastu where they witnessed the death of King Suddhodhana
Neither Rahula nor Nanda could succeed the throne since they had become bhiksus, so Mahanama, the martial artist elder brother of Aniruddha was decided as a suitable king. Chapter 32 The First Bhiksunis
When the Buddha allowed the ordination of women, he prescribed Eight Conditions to become a Bhiksuni:
Receive the precepts from a bhiksu
Hear regular precept recitation at a bhiksu’s house
Settle for retreats only where there are other bhiksus nearby
Not speak of bhiksu’s transgressions as they may speak of yours
Confess transgressions to the Sangha within half a month
Greet all bhiksus by bowing and joining palms
Ask the bhiksus of their suspicions of transgression after retreats
If a bhiksu does not respond, do not continue Chapter 33 Establishing the Precepts
After Sudinna had been tempted by his wife and broken his vow of celibacy, the Buddha established the precepts and touted their 10 benefits:
The monastic community will be harmonious and will grow
Unwholesome people will be subdued and the remorseful will find peace
There will be no suffering in this life and in future lives
Faith will be gained and the faithful will deepen others’ faith
The Dharma will last a long time
The pure mind will not be lost Chapter 34 Disharmony in the Sangha
To settle quarrels in the Sangha, the Buddha told the story of the war between King Brahmandatta and King Dighiti.
Before his murder, King Dighiti said to his son, “Patience, patience, this is the path to filial piety. Do not plant the seed of hatred, but act instead out of compassion. To hold onto aggression, viciousness, hatred and grudges is the origin of all misfortunes.”
Both the suffering of conflict and the joy of harmony spring from our own actions. Chapter 35 Vaisakha’s Great Generosity
“Plant one and harvest ten, plant ten and harvest a hundred, plant one hundred and harvest then thousand. With this offering of a bowl of rice, you gain limitless merits.”
To practice true generosity, one must give joyfully, have reverence for those who receive, not have pity for those who receive, and not long for thanks and repayment. Chapter 36 The Acts of Kalodayin
Originally a householder, Udayin took refuge and became Kalodayin, and the Buddha’s personal attendant.
He had always had a weakness for desire and women which had caused him many problems but later, seeing the meaning of renouncing home life, he repented and reformed.
The Buddha saw the goodness and potential in Kalodayin, and so was lenient with him, but this caused much resentment from Devadatta.
Given his history, Kalodayin tried to help marriage affairs and disputes among people but in one case was murdered. From this example, the Buddha hoped that Bhiksus would not have such close relationships. Chapter 37 Lady Sujata Reforms
Lady Sujata, the 7th daughter-in-law of Anathapindada, caused much conflict with her beauty. To her the Buddha advised:
“There is more to true beauty than a beautiful appearance...[it is] nothing to be proud of. When you have an upright mind and possess the female virtues of elegance and refinement, you will win the respect of others and be known as Three Disadvantages of being born female: beautiful.”
Parents have control over life
Reliance on husband
Unfilial family in old-age
Ten Karmic Obstructions of being born female:
Parental patriarchy Little effort from parents
Socially afraid in youth Must part from family Must marry into another family
Pregnancy Child birthing and raising Reliance on husband
Vanity wastes time Jealousy prevents peace Chapter 38 Singalaka Seeks Refuge
“To be filial to my father, I come here every day to bow to the six directions.”
“In the Dharma, one should revere the six directions...one’s parents are the east...one’s teachers are the south...one’s spouse is the west...one’s relatives and friends are the north...one’s servants are below...monastics are above.”
The Buddha goes on to explain how each of these directions may be ‘bowed to’. Chapter 39 The Renunciation of Matanga
“Those who walk the path must purify their bodies and minds.”
Upon meeting Ananda and offering drinking water, Matanga became attracted to him. She was determined to become his wife and acted flirtatiously to gain his affection, even becoming a bhiksuni at the Buddha’s proposal. Eventually, through diligent practice, she discovered that her desire for Ananda stemmed from unvirtuous and impure thoughts: “Great Buddha, I now awakened from my dream of delusion...” Chapter 40 The First Persecution
Brahmans and even renunciants resented the Buddha for his reputation, some spreading rumours and hiring assassins.
“Wholesome and unwholesome karma follows one like a shadow.”
This happened because of a time of evil and darkness in the world. But the darkness of the world made a perfect vehicle for the Buddha’s teachings.
Without the darkness, there can be no light. Chapter 41 Devadatta’s Rebellion
Devadatta tried to overthrow the Buddha many times but never succeeded. Instead, the Buddha’s virtue shone even more.
One incident left King Bimbisara imprisoned by his own son Prince Ajatasatru who was under the influence of Devadatta. Despite his many hardships, King Bimbisara remembered the Buddha’s teachings:
“The body is composed of the four great elements and the five aggregates. By its nature it is illusory. It is merely a place for the consciousness to rest. After death, one returns to the origin. If there is no attachment to ‘I’ or ‘mine,’ one can enter nirvana. Nirvana is everlasting peace.” Chapter 42 King Ajatasatru Repents
“There are two types of people who attain happiness...
The first are those who practice wholesome actions and commit no wrongdoings.
The second are those who commit wrongdoings but repent and reform.”
With great regret after imprisoning his father at the advice of Devadatta, King Ajatasatru went to visit the Buddha to repent and reform. When hearing the Buddha’s teaching, he took refuge and found peace. Chapter 43 Kapilivastu
The deceitful actions of Kapilivastu’s ruler against the kingdom of Kosala sealed Kapilivastu’s fate. The fruition of Kapilivastu’s collective karma came when King Virudhaka of Kosala invaded Kapilivastu and killed all members of the Sakya clan. The effects of unwholesome actions were unavoidable and could not be prevented. Once such seeds are planted, their consequences will be inevitable, as it was with the fate of the Sakya Clan. Chapter 44 Special Teachings
The Buddha taught the Dharma for forty-nine years, including special teachings compiled in the Flower Adornment Sutra, the Agama Sutras, Vaipulya Sutras, Prajnaparamita Sutras, Lotus Sutra and Nirvana Sutra.
Buddha’s great compassion and wisdom are revealed in the stories of Cudapanthaka, Nidhi, Sronakotivimsa, Angulimalya and Hariti: “Practice by not being too tight or too loose, relax your mind. All things have their own rate of progression.”
“Sweep the dust away.” “Those who repent are liberated, for true heartfelt repentance is able to purify past wrong doings. Only correct your actions and renew yourself.”
“Wealth, class and status are of no concern, they are just names, illusions.”
“...not to kill, lie, or steal and be the protector of the world’s children, like a compassionate mother.” Chapter 45 Ten Great Disciples
Buddha has two kinds of disciples, laypeople and the monastics. In the monastic family, ten were of great skills:
Sariputra: wisdom
Maudgalyayana: supernatural powers
Purna: teaching the Dharma
Subhuti: Mahakasyapa: understanding emptiness austerities
Katyayana: Aniruddha: debating the Dharma heavenly vision
Upali: monastic discipline
Ananda: having heard much
Rahula: esoteric practices Chapter 46 From Vrji to Vaisali
The Buddha left Sravasti and entered the kingdom of Vrji stopping in many cities to teach the Dharma.
In those cities the Buddha taught about the triple gem, the five precepts, good karma and bad karma, and what would happen if people adhered to the five precepts and what would happen if people don’t adhered to them.
In addition, the Buddha stopped a war between the kingdom of Vrji and king Ajatasatru.
In the city of Pataliputra the Buddha taught about the seven factors to not regress on the path. Chapter 47 Final Teachings
When the Buddha was eighty, he taught at the Capala Stupa. There the Buddha gave the news of his intention to enter final nirvana soon. All the bhiksus were very sad, but the Buddha said, “I am a manifestation of the truth, I can not go against the Dharma I have taught”
Then the Buddha explained the code of conduct of how to be and how to be and behave in accordance with the Dharma and also of how to react when encountering vicious people. The Buddha remarked, “The twelve links of dependant origination are the truth of the universe and life.” Chapter 48 Final Nirvana
On the fifteenth day of the second lunar month, after midnight the Buddha entered final nirvana. In the city of Kusinagara, between two sala trees, the Buddha laid, with his head pointing north and his face looking west. Thank you
Thank you for reading the Graphic Summaries of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s The Biography of Sakyamuni Buddha. We wish you every joy as you continue your journey in the Dharma.
May kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity pervade all worlds.
May we cherish and build affinities to benefit all beings.
May Chan, Pure Land and Precepts inspire equality and patience.
May our humility and gratitude give rise to great vows.