The scriptures are taught by gurus, or teachers, who are considered to have attained enlightenment through knowledge and practice. ... At the age of 29, Gautama saw suffering for the first time and decided to leave home and seek religious enlightenment. ...

• Word Count: 4019
• Approx Pages: 16
• Grade Level: High School

At the age of thirty-five, Siddharta Gautama sat down beneath the shade of a tree to meditate, and stayed under it until he received enlightenment seven weeks later. He received the Great Enlightenment: the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-fold Path. ... In history, it is said that Lord Buddha Shakyamuni lectured on these noble truths during his first public speech after his enlightenment. ...

• Word Count: 2687
• Approx Pages: 11
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School