Buddhism is referred to the teaching established by Lord Buddha. But what does Buddha mean? A Buddha can be stated to be that person who has managed to attain ‘Bodhi’, meaning wisdom. This is termed to be an ideal state combining ethical perfection and intellectual abilities. It can be derived by any person even by purely human means. Buddha is a term that means a knower or the ‘enlightened one’. According to Buddhist beliefs, a Buddha is said to be born in every aeon of life. Sage Gotama had attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, located in India, by sitting under a banyan tree. He is considered to be the 7th Buddha in succession.
Middle Path
Referred to as the Middle Way, this new path or the Eightfold Path is also called ‘Ashtangik Marg’! It became his teaching. Following this particular path, his wisdom is said to have grown to the optimum, thus making him the Buddha.
Prince Gotama as a man had attained Buddhahood. He achieved it through his own wisdom, love and sheer determination. Buddhahood can be stated to be the highest possible perfection to be achieved by a human being. This he spread among his followers who believed that they can practice the same. The truth is that each and every person is known to possess the power within himself to make himself happy, wise and good.
Buddha’s teachings
His teachings can be summarized into a single word, referred to as the ‘Dhamma’, meaning truth. It also stands for law that exists within man’s own mind and heart. It can also be termed as the principle to follow the path of righteousness. Hence, the Buddha seems to appeal those who are charitable, pure and noble in their thoughts. They are someone not eager to please any type of Supreme Deity, however, be true to himself to the highest order.
Dhamma being termed as law of righteousness tends to exist in the man’s mind and heart. It can also be found in the universe. The fact is that the universe is rather an embodiment as well as revelation of the Dhamma. It is rather Dhamma that causes the moon to daily rise & set, rains to shower, changing seasons, growing crops, etc. Dhamma, in short, can be stated to be the universal law that makes matter to act as revealed by studies involving natural science.
Living by Dhamma, man can escape misery, thereby achieving Nirvana and end suffering.