Submitted by Krishna Dhanya on
The life of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha or the "Enlightened One," is full of stories that offer profound insights into the ethical teachings of Buddhism.
These stories, passed down through generations, serve as parables that elucidate the core principles of Buddhist thought, philosophy, and ethics. Among these tales, the story of a serial killer in the Buddha's time named Angulimala stands out, not just for its dramatic elements but for its deep philosophical and ethical implications.
This narrative not only underscores the transformative power of compassion and understanding but also offers a unique lens through which we can explore and contrast Buddhist ethics with Western ethical systems. Siddhartha Gautama: The Man Behind the Legend Before we begin the tale of Angulimala, it's essential to understand the man who would become the Buddha.
Born into royalty, Siddhartha Gautama's life was one of luxury and privilege. However, a series of encounters with the harsh realities of life – old age, sickness, death, and asceticism – led him to renounce his life as a prince to search for answers to the suffering inherent in human existence. After years of rigorous ascetic practices and meditation, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, thereby becoming The Buddha. His teachings, known as the Dharma, revolve around the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, these, as we shall see, lay the groundwork for Buddhist ethics.