Identify the purported miraculous events of the Buddha’s conception & birth.

The purported miraculous events of the Buddha’s conception and birth are deeply embedded in Buddhist tradition and have their source in the Pali canon. This account claims that Siddhartha Gautama’s conception was miraculous, as his mother Maya fell pregnant when she had a dream in which a white elephant with 6 tusks entered into her right side. Maya, who gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini’s grove died just seven days later.

Siddhartha was raised by his father Suddhodana under strict supervision, as a result of an ancient prophecy that stated the prince either would become a great leader or take on the life of an ascetic. According to this prophecy he abandoned his palace at the age of 29 and began a journey towards spiritual enlightenment.

The evening before he left home for his quest to find enlightenment, many different miracles occured at once: sweet rain descended from heaven; divine music filled the air; lights shone brightly from every direction like stars; celestial flowers showered down from above; two dragons flew out of the lake singing hymns praising Gautama’s perfections; celestial chariots arrived bearing gods welcoming him on his journey; various birds came offering food and other gifts while others circled around him chanting praises. All these miraculous events occurred simultaneously amidst great joyous celebration by both humans and gods alike who heralded its significance as they exalted in jubilation “Arahant is born!”