Buddha means “the awakened one” and refers to anyone who has reached the spiritual state of bodhi. Buddhism teaches that everything is connected and interrelated, and that we must answer to ourselves. Siddattha Gotama, an Indian prince, became a seeker of peace and eventually attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. Buddha taught that suffering was due to selfishness and taught his philosophy until his death at age 80. Anyone can reach enlightenment and the concept is more spiritual than religious.
Buddha is a person who has reached the spiritual state of bodhi. The word buddha literally means “the awakened one” – someone who has no ignorance and can see the universe as it really is. People who have reached this state can be called buddhas. There are many Buddhas and no one has the right to say, “I am the one and only Buddha.”
The religion of Buddhism derives its teaching from spiritual guidance. It argues that everything in the universe is connected and interrelated, but it is ourselves we must ultimately answer to. If we hurt another person, we hurt ourselves, because everything is connected. This is where the idea of karma also comes into play; what we give, we will receive, and vice versa.
Siddattha Gotama, an Indian prince, is considered the original teacher of Buddhism. During his lifetime, he achieved an enlightened state. Until his 29th birthday, Siddattha led a life of luxury, as befits royalty. Slowly, up until that age, he began to realize that everything in the universe will eventually die. Grief and grief are a prelude to death. Siddattha set out to find a cure for mankind’s pain and became a seeker of peace.
During his travels, Siddattha learned the teachings and philosophies of the most important spiritual thinkers and sages of the time, but none of the answers he obtained satisfied him. It was the case of a blind man leading a blind man. Siddattha soon joined a group of five pupils of a former teacher. They tried to get in touch with their senses through abstinence and penance.
Siddattha practiced this form for six years. He abstained until his body shrank and withered. His veins protruded from his skin, which had dried out. For the six years he suffered, he finally realized the sheer futility of abstinence and complete penance.
Taking guidance from all his discoveries, Siddattha arrived at the Middle Way of thought, or Majjhima Patipada. Sitting under a Bodhi tree in deep meditation, he attained enlightenment and became a Buddha. Buddha taught that suffering was due to the selfishness of clinging to his life and passions. Like Buddha, Siddattha taught his philosophy until the age of 80, when he passed into Nirvana.
Buddha was therefore a man and anyone who has attained enlightenment can be a Buddha. A buddha exists to teach and point the way to salvation. Buddha teaches people to rely on themselves and no one else. Dependence on others for salvation is bad, while depending on yourself is good. According to Buddhism, anyone can reach a state of perfection and enlightenment. The concept is much more spiritual than religious.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
