Chapter Three: The Birth of Buddhism

Understanding the roots of this approach requires attention to the historical evolution of classical religious Buddhism, as well as reflection on the life of the historical Buddha, both for the ways it parallels our own struggles and for the inspiration it lends toward transformation.

Maybe the first thing to understand is that Buddhism did not exist during the Buddha’s lifetime. There were no Buddhists, no monks, and no Buddhist monasteries. Nothing the Buddha communicated was written down whilst he was alive. Historians and scholars suggest that during this time in India, the Buddha likely wandered within a relatively small area, sleeping outdoors and receiving support from local villagers in exchange for his teachings. Wandering teachers were common at the time, and he would have been just one among many who gathered small groups of followers.

The story of what eventually became Buddhism begins with the birth of Siddhartha Gautama. The traditional account suggests he was born in Lumbini, now in Nepal. According to custom, his mother was travelling back to her birthplace in a neighbouring kingdom to give birth. However, en route, she went into labour and had no choice but to give birth on the spot.

Like many other stories in classical religious Buddhism, the birth narrative is of epic proportions, making claims that, if taken literally, defy logic and have no evidential support. For example, there has never been a credible report of a newborn human baby walking unaided from birth. Yet, the story describes Siddhartha doing just that. It also claims he was born from his mother’s side rather than her womb, a detail later given religious significance. Such embellishments may have been added later to support the deification of the Buddha and to lend religious credibility to what eventually became Buddhism.

In this approach, and in keeping with its founding principle, you are encouraged to explore alternative interpretations of these stories, not out of mistrust or disrespect, but in pursuit of the most evidence-based and plausible conclusions. This, I suggest, aligns with the Buddha’s charter of free-thinking and critical inquiry, rather than accepting something as fact simply because it appears in scripture or is passed down by religious authorities.

Let us examine this scenario through the lens of modern medical knowledge. If the baby could not be delivered naturally, a rudimentary caesarean section may have been performed to save his life. We are also told that Siddhartha’s mother bathed in a local pond after giving birth and died a few days later. Given the limited medical knowledge of the time, the most plausible explanation is, I suggest, that she may have succumbed to an infection.

Following his mother’s death, Siddhartha was raised by his aunt, who later married his father. The traditional story describes his father as a king and Siddhartha as a prince. However, historians and scholars challenge this claim, arguing that current evidence suggests his father was the head of a local clan rather than a hereditary ruler. Some even suggest that his position may have been an elected one with no guaranteed line of succession.

For modern readers, perhaps the most relatable part of Siddhartha’s story is his privileged upbringing. Today, many Western societies provide free education, healthcare, and social security. Compared to much of the world, people in these cultures enjoy a level of material comfort that would have been unimaginable 2,600 years ago. In everyday life, this may resemble growing up in a stable household, attending good schools, and having access to technology and leisure, all things that may create a sense of security, but may not necessarily lead to contentment.

According to the traditional story, Siddhartha’s father consulted a prophet who predicted that his son would either become a great ruler or a religious leader. Given the family’s status, this prediction was likely a safe one, as it may have meant the same thing. However, the prospect of Siddhartha becoming a spiritual figure reportedly troubled his father, who then sought to shield him from life’s harsh realities. He apparently ensured Siddhartha lived in perpetual comfort and pleasure, hoping he would follow in his footsteps as a political and military leader rather than a religious one.

If we reflect on this part of the story in relation to our own lives, we may see some parallels. Most parents will want to protect their children from harm and provide them with the b