There are many ways to answer this question, for there are many aspects of the Buddha. There was the person, Siddhārtha Gautama, who truly existed. He was born, lived an interesting life which we know a little about, and died. Buddha is also a mythical character. While Siddhārtha was real, the stories that developed in the centuries after his death became diluted with the grandeur people feel for their holy leaders. And finally, despite his teachings to the contrary, there is the religious figurehead, the statue to whom people bow and leave offerings, that Buddha has become to many.
by Coby Hadas Who was the “Buddha”?
There are many ways to answer this question, for there are many aspects of the Buddha. There was the person, Siddhārtha Gautama, who truly existed. He was born, lived an interesting life which we know a little about, and died. Buddha is also a mythical character. While Siddhārtha was real, the stories that developed in the centuries after his death became diluted with the grandeur people feel for their holy leaders. And finally, despite his teachings to the contrary, there is the religious figurehead, the statue to whom people bow and leave offerings, that Buddha has become to many. |
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