Buddha and Buddhism
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                                                          It is reported that Hong Kong  and South Korea  had observed National Holiday on the Birth Day of Buddha on 17 Th May 2013.  It is surprising that India where Buddha was born and spreaded his message is not observing it as Holiday. Even the exact Birthday of Buddha is  also mystery.  However one thing is certain that Buddha was born(i.e.About 2500 Years Before) in the month of May at Lambini, Kapilvasthu. He also got realization at Buddha Gaya , Bihar.
                                                           Buddha message has some background of Hindu philosophy i.e. It preaches renunciation instead of severer asceticism. It was a time when Indian people were more attracted towards Buddhism and most of them were observing Buddhism including all kings. Adi Shankracharya took the challenge to convince the Indian people that there is not much new in Buddhism than Hinduism. He had discussion  for several days on the important religious topics with  then top Buddhist Monks at Kashi.  He defeated them in the discussion and that  is how Hinduism survived in India. In short Adi Shankeracharya was savior of Hindu religion as he established four pith from north to south and east to west  for propagating Hindu philosophy.
                                                            Which factors had attracted Buddhism? Buddhism had  invited Noble to Sweeper including Outcast  People to join it when Hinduism was suffering with acute Cast War. Besides that Buddhism was for  Karuna/Sympathy , Love, and Tolerance.
                                                             Buddha believed that silence is the best weapons to deal with your enemies.  He had sympathy for fallen people. One of the beautiful prostitutes was in love with him but he ignored her.  However he personally went to her and looked after her when she was old and suffering from deadly disease. Once he was asked what did he achieved  out of  all penance and suffering that he had  gone through? He replied with smiling face " I have achieved nothing but  have Peace and pleasure." It shows he was humble who had crushed his ego completely.
                                               Buddha's message is clear-
                                              -The suffering is  an ingrained part of existence
                                              - To have right intention
                                              - To have right way of  speech
                                              - To have right action
                                              - To make right efforts
                                              - To have right mindfulness
                                              - To have concentration at right place.
                                              - To carry right view
                                                           However he cautioned against Kama, Maya(Attachment), Thirst/Hunger, Craving, Fear, Doubt, and  Rigidity.
                                                           The Buddhism is spreaded very well in South East Asia including China,Japan Korea and  carried the message of Indian philosophy. We can find the family System, and Moral/Religious values, are high on those countries. It has also helped to strengthen the fiber of those countries. They are grateful to the great son of India( i.e. \Buddha) who has shown them a path of happy life.
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