WHO IS THE BUDDHA? Strictly speaking, the word buddha is a title meaning "the awakened one." This is where the term "Buddhism" originates. The 2500-year history of Buddhism is characterized by the deep contemplation and efforts of many Buddhist masters, monks, and lay practitioners to understand and know buddha. Many denominations, each having its own version(s) of buddha, make up Buddhism today. One basic explanation is to say that buddha is a spiritual stage, but its orthodox meaning is any individual freed from delusive passion and ignorance. Read about the life of the Buddha Shakyamuni (PDF)

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