Ep. 03 - Siddhartha’s Austerities and the Attainment of Nibbāna

(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:01:11) Siddhartha's Austere Practices
(00:06:30) Reflection
(00:10:35) Abandoning the Practices of Asceticism
(00:14:14) The Path to Enlightenment, Nibbāna
(00:18:38) Attaining Nibbāna
(00:25:50) Sammā-Sambuddha
(00:26:38) Reflection
(00:30:14) Homage to the Triple Gem: Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha

Siddhartha, in his pursuit of enlightenment, subjected himself to extreme ascetic practices, including extreme fasting, self-mortification, and seclusion. Despite his unwavering dedication and the immense suffering he endured, he realized these practices did not lead to enlightenment. This insight prompted him to question the effectiveness of his path and consider alternative approaches.

Siddhartha, after abandoning his austere practices, regained strength and focused on meditation, entering the four jhānas. Through this deep concentration, he attained three crucial knowledges: recollection of past lives, the cycle of birth and death based on actions, and the destruction of taints. His enlightenment led him to discover the Four Noble Truths and become a perfectly enlightened Buddha.