Question

Read the story of Siddhartha Gautama, his quest for enlightenment, in the selection "The Four Noble Truths," on page 552ff. in the textbook. Siddhartha began his quest for Enlightenment by practicing "asceticism" (i.e. harsh treatment of the body.) -- What did Siddhartha ultimately come to believe about "asceticism," (i.e. harsh treatment of the body), based on his own experiences?

Answer 1

but this did not satisfy him either; he still had not escaped from the world of suffering.

Step-by-step explanation:

Siddhartha encountered an Indian ascetic who encouraged him to follow a life of extreme self-denial and discipline.

The Buddha also practiced meditation but concluded that in themselves, the highest meditative states were not enough.

Siddhartha followed this life of extreme asceticism for six years, but this did not satisfy him either; he still had not escaped from the world of suffering.

He abandoned the strict lifestyle of self-denial and ascetism, but did not return to the pampered luxury of his early life.

He finally achieved Enlightenment and became the Buddha. enlightenment is when a Buddhist finds the truth about life and stops being reborn because they have reached Nirvana. Once you get to Nirvana you are not born again into samsara (which is suffering).