The Philosophical Symbolism of Three Major Events in the Life of the Buddha: Birth, Enlightenment, and Final Nirvana
Nguyen Thi Nhien Trang, Le Hong Linh
International Journal of Versatile Research and Analysis May 1, 2026 DOI: 10.56975/ijvra.v4i5.706229 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe Buddha's life events—birth, enlightenment, and death—are not merely historical but serve as powerful symbols conveying core Buddhist teachings: impermanence (anicca), non-self (anatta), suffering (dukkha), and the ultimate bliss of nirvana. By examining original texts and scholarly interpretations, the article argues that these symbolic narratives make profound spiritual truths accessible across Buddhist traditions and remain meaningful for contemporary audiences.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism |
| Keywords | Impermanence Gautama buddha Meaning existential Bliss |
| Key finding | The symbolic stories of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death express core Buddhist teachings on impermanence, non-self, suffering, and nirvana, offering relevance for both traditional and modern contexts. |
Abstract
This study explores three major stages in the life of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) symbolically connected to the birth, the enlightenment, and the death of the Buddha and the philosophical meanings of these events. These incidents work as deep and complex symbols that express the main Buddhist teachings such as the impermanence of all things (anicca), the nonexistence of a self (anatta), the satisfactoriness of life (dukkha), and the state of bliss or the goal of the spiritual life (nirvana). By interpreting the original Buddhist texts and the works of leading scholars, this research reveals that these symbolically charged stories present the lofty spiritual truths that they have meaning for people in different Buddhist traditions as well as for those living in the modern world.