Shakyamuni mantra
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The Buddha Śākyamuni (or Shakyamuni)
Introduction
Shakyamuni is an honorific of the historical Buddha, meaning "Sage of the Shakyans," the Shakyans being the tribal republic where the Buddha-to-be was born.
The term “Buddha” is itself an honorific, meaning Awakened One, and Shakyamuni’s actual name was Siddhattha Gotama (Sanskrit: Siddhartha Gautama), Gotama being the family name.
The Buddha was not a God, but a human being who attained an extraordinary insight into the nature of existence: an insight that rid his mind of delusion, hatred, and craving, and which allowed him to attain true happiness, free from suffering.
Standing Buddha, Gandharan style
The Buddha is also known as the Tathagatha, (The One-thus-come or The One-thus-gone), as well as the Sugata (Well-Gone One), Bhagavan (Blessed One), and the Jina (Conqueror).
In considering the Buddha’s life story it’s often hard to separate fact from later elaboration, and even some basic facts, such as the date of his birth, are questionable. The fact that stories about the Buddha are exaggerated or even mythological doesn’t of course negate their value. Often mythology is an attempt to communicate psychological truths in a very accessible and even visceral way.
The links below will guide you through some of the key events in the life of the Buddha, will explain the iconography of Buddha images, and will comment on the myths surrounding the Buddha’s life.
Comments
Comment from Vicki
Time: August 9, 2007, 12:45 pm
Only page 1 of this article will print.
Comment from Bodhipaksa
Time: August 9, 2007, 4:02 pm
Hi Vicki,
Have you tried clicking on the “print this page” at the top right of the page? That formats the entire article for printing, including all the pages.
All the best,
Bodhipaksa
Comment from Dr. Waldemar C. Sailer
Time: January 23, 2008, 8:42 pm
I find your site attractive and interesting. I think I would appreciate your reaction to The World of Buddha Footprints. I will await your reply.
Dr. Sailer
Comment from Bodhipaksa
Time: January 24, 2008, 8:38 pm
The World of Buddha Footprints looks very interesting. Thanks for suggesting it. I haven’t had time to do more than glance at it as yet, but I’m looking forward to reading it at leisure.
Comment from Varsha
Time: April 30, 2008, 5:17 am
Please also add the detail of Vipassana
Technic. It is use for our mind and body
healthy and happy wich Buddha taught us.
Thanks
http://www.vri.dhamma.org.
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