Ep 3. Buddha

The third episode of Genius of the Ancient World season 1 explores the life and teachings of Buddha. Historian Bettany Hughes travels through India to uncover the story of the man who founded Buddhism.

Buddha, born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama, was destined to rule a kingdom. However, after encountering the suffering of the world, he decided to abandon his wealth and privilege to find a way to end the cycle of suffering. Hughes takes viewers through the lush landscapes of India, visiting ancient temples and meeting with spiritual leaders to reveal the cultural context of Buddha's teachings and their continuing impact on the world today.

As Hughes travels, she dives deeper into the philosophy of Buddhism and the significance of its teachings. The episode provides insight into Buddha's Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, which offer a unique approach to understanding the nature of existence and our place within it. Hughes also explores the spread of Buddhism through India and beyond, revealing how the religion has evolved over the centuries and spread to different regions of the world.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the life of Buddha and the spiritual journey that drove him to abandon a life of luxury and become the "Enlightened One". Hughes expertly condenses the history of Buddhism and offers a comprehensive understanding of the religion from its inception to modern times.

At the end of the episode, viewers come away with a thorough understanding of Buddha's teachings, the impact they have had on the world, and the significance of this ancient philosophy in modern times. Genius of the Ancient World: Buddha is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in spirituality, philosophy, or history.