A lot of misconceptions about the Buddha have been repeated so frequently that they appear in nearly every book on Buddhism. The issue here is that many of these books simply rehash information from other texts, allowing myths to persist for decades or even centuries. So let’s debunk some of these myths.
First, let’s clear up the common belief that the Buddha was Indian. While the country of India didn’t exist during his time, many people mean today’s India when they say the Buddha was Indian. However, he was actually born in Lumbini, located in present-day Nepal, not India. While he spent much of his life in areas that are now part of India, he was born in what is today Nepal.
Regarding his name, the only name given to the Buddha in the early scriptures is “Gotama,” which was likely his personal name, not a family name. Another later name, “Siddhattha” (Siddhartha in Sanskrit), appears only in texts added to the canon centuries later. The Buddha’s family name seems to have been “Ādicca,” meaning “sun,” and not the Brahmin family name Gotama.
Next, it’s important to address the misconception that the Buddha was born a Hindu. Hinduism as a religion didn’t exist during his lifetime. Instead, there was Brahminism, a sacrificial tradition based on the Vedas. There is no evidence that the Buddha ever followed this tradition. On the contrary, the Sakyans, his community, seemed to consider themselves superior to the Brahmins.
Another common myth is that the Buddha was a prince. The Sakyans were governed by a council, not by kings, so it’s more accurate to say that the Buddha’s father was more like a senator than a king. During his lifetime, small republics like Sakya were often absorbed by neighboring kingdoms, which could explain the later elevation of Buddha’s father to “king” in stories.
The popular tale of the Four Sights (seeing an old person, a sick person, a dead person, and a wandering ascetic) initiating the Buddha’s quest for enlightenment is also likely a myth. This story is present in the scriptures but is told about a different Buddha, Vipassi. Instead, the Buddha himself speaks of witnessing general societal suffering and conflicts as reasons prompting his spiritual journey.
Additionally, stories often embellish the Buddha’s departure from home. One tale claims he tiptoed out in the night, leaving behind a harem of sleeping concubines and a wife with a young child. However, in the early scriptures, he mentions bidding farewell to his grieving parents before leaving, which is a much simpler and more humane account.
Contrary to some beliefs, the Buddha did teach meditation, even to lay followers. Early scriptures cite lay disciples who were praised for their meditation practices. While monks and nuns might have practiced more frequently, there is clear evidence that laypeople also meditated.
As we uncover the historical Buddha, it’s crucial not to cling to misconceptions. We’ve seen how legends and stories can shape our understanding, but it’s important to be open to changing our views based on evidence. By doing so, we not only honor the Buddha’s real legacy but also foster a deeper, more accurate connection to his teachings. Letting go of old, unverified stories can be liberating and more in line with the pragmatic nature of the Buddha’s original teachings.