Biography
Siddhartha Gautama, who became known as the Buddha ("the awakened one"), was born a prince in ancient India. Despite a life of luxury, he was deeply moved by the suffering he witnessed and renounced his privileged existence to seek the cause of and liberation from suffering.
After years of extreme asceticism and study with various teachers, he finally sat beneath a bodhi tree and vowed not to rise until he had found the truth. On the night of the full moon, he attained complete enlightenment, seeing clearly the nature of mind and the path to liberation from suffering.
For the remaining forty-five years of his life, the Buddha traveled throughout India teaching what he had discovered. His teachings, known as the Dharma, emphasized the Middle Way between extremes, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path. His influence on human civilization has been immeasurable.
Teaching and methods
The Buddha taught mindfulness and meditation as the means to directly observe the nature of experience. Central practices include awareness of breathing, investigation of the impermanent and selfless nature of all phenomena, and the cultivation of compassion and equanimity. He taught that through sustained observation of how suffering arises from craving and identification, the mind naturally releases its grip, revealing the unconditioned peace that was always present.
Selected quotes
“ I have passed in ignorance through a cycle of many rebirths, seeking the builder of the house. Continuous rebirth is a painful thing. But now, housebuilder, I have found you out. You will not build me a house again. All your rafters are broken, your ridge-pole shattered. My mind is free from active thought, and has made an end of craving. ”
“ Freedom and happiness are found in the flexibility and ease with which we move through change. ”
“ Never have anything to do with likes and dislikes. The absence of what one likes is painful, as is the presence of what one dislikes. Therefore don't take a liking to anything. To lose what one likes is hard, but there are no bonds for those who have no likes and dislikes. From preference arises sorrow, from preference arises fear, but he who is freed from preference has no sorrow and certainly no fear. ”