Vipaysin Buddha

The first chapter of Digha Agma states that there are seven historial Buddhas. They are Vipaysin, Sikhin, Visvabhu, Krakuccchanda, Kanakamuni, Kasyapa and Sakyamuni.

the first of the seven Buddhas, is Vipaysin meaning Transcendental Observation or Universal Understanding.

According to legends, Vipaysin Buddha arose on earth some 1.164 billion years ago. During his ministry, he held three grand convocations for preaching the dharma.

The First convocation had 160, 000 disciples, the second one with 100,000 and the third had 80,000 attending. In the midst were two great disciples of Vipaysin Buddha, Qian Tu and Deya.

There was once a poor man who goes to collect firewood in the remote mountains everyday. He managed to support Vipaysin Budha and the disciples with the little money he earned from selling the firewood. This action so greatly touched Vipaysin Buddha that after 91 kalpas ( 1 kalpa = 336,000,000 years) when the poor man was reborn againm, he was endowed with a pair of "golden hands". As soon as two pieces of gold had been spent by him, another two would instantly appear in his palms.

The 18 Arahants Part 3

Calico Bag Arahant (Angida)
According to legend, Angida was an Indian snake-catcher whose aim was to prevent the snakes from biting passers-by. After the snakes were caught, he would remove the venomous fangs and then release them in the mountains. It was due to this kindness of heart that Angida was able to attain enlightenment. He carried a bag to put the snakes in.

Plantain Arahant (Vanavasa)
According to legend, he was born during a heavy downpour, and the plantain trees in his back garden were rustling noisily. Thus he was named Vanavasa, which means rain in Sanskrit. Later on he became a Buddhist monk, finally attaining enlightenment. Because he liked to meditate under a plantain tree, he is called the Plantain Arahant.

Long-Eyebrow Arahant (Asita)
"Asita" in Sanskrit means incomparably proper, or of correct proportions in spirit and physique. According to legend, Asita was born with two long white eyebrows. After he was born, his father was told that Shakyamuni Buddha also has two long eyebrows, therefore his son had the look of the Buddha in him. As a result, Asita was sent away to a monastery to become a monk, eventually attaining enlightenment


Doorman Arahant (Pantha the Younger)
According to legend, this lohan, also known as Pantha the Younger, was one of Buddha's favourite disciple. The tin staff he is holding had several rings on it and made a light noise when tapped. This is for alerting householders when he went on alms-begging The tin staff has become the symbol of this Arahant.

Taming Dragon Arahant (Nantimitolo)
His Sanskrit name is Nantimitolo. Nanti means happy, and mitolo, friend. Together the name means happy friend. He is called the Taming Dragon Arahant for a brave act he performed. In ancient India, the people of a small kingdom, after being incited by a demon, went on a rampage against the Buddhists and monasteries, stealing the Buddhist sutras. The king of the undersea flooded the kingdom and rescued the sutras, which he put in his palace. Nantimitolo subdued the dragon guard and restored the sutras back to earth Hence he is called the Taming Dragon Arahant.

Taming

Tiger Arahant (Pindola)
Pindola was a Brahmin and a general. Because he was devoted to Buddhism, which forbids killing, he was ordered by the king to become a monk. He joined a monastery in the mountains where he could hear a tiger howling every day. He said that the tiger was probably hungry and should be fed some vegetarian food. Otherwise the tiger might become a man-eater. So Pindola collected food from the monks and put it in a bucket which he left outside the monastery. The tiger did come for the food every night. After a period of time, the tiger was tamed. Thus Pindola was referred to as the Taming Tiger Arahant.

The 18 Arahants Part 2

Elephant-Riding Arahant (Kalika)

Kalika means elephant-rider. He was an elephant trainer turned monk. After his enlightenment, the elephant is a reminder of his previous profession and also symbolic of power, perseverance and endurance.

Laughing Lion Arahant (Vajraputra)

Vajraputra literally means "man of cats." He was a lion hunter before he became a monk. After his enlightenment, a cub came playfully to his side and stay with him forever, as if expressing gratitude to him for giving up his killing therefore sparing its parents and brothers.

Open-Heart Arahant (Gobaka)

Gobaka (literally means ‘man of heart’) was a crown prince of an Indian Kingdom. When his younger brother wanted to start a rebellion, he assured his brother that he will refuse the kingdom and as a proof to convince his brother, he exposed his chest to show a Buddha in his heart. With that his younger brother was touched and abandoned the rebellion.

Raised Hand Arahant (Pantha the Elder)

According to legend, Pantha the Elder was the prince of a small Indian kingdom called Kintota. When he became a monk, he liked to meditate in the half-lotus style. Upon waking up, he would raise his hands and let out a deep breath, hence the name Raised Hand.

Thinking Arahant (Rahula)

Rahula (constellation that caused lunar eclipse) was one of the Buddha's 10 favourite disciples, and was well-known for his meditative power. It is believed that he could become omnipotent and omniscient during meditation. When deep in thought, he was ruminating wisdom and action.

Scratched Ear Arahant (Nagasena)

Nagasena was an eloquent speaker and debater. He was famous all over India for his preachings on the "hear no evil" maxim. The senses of hearing is one of the six sources through which mankind become aware of the world. Therefore a practitioner of Buddhism should avoid listening to decadent sounds and in particular other people's secrets. Thus he is often portrayed as scratching his ear, a gesture symbolizing the purification of the sense of hearing in the search for peace and quiet.

The 18 Arahants Part 1

Arahants (or Arhats in Sanskrit) are enlightened beings who having removed all causes for future becoming, are not reborn after biological death into any samsaric realm. They have realized the goal of Nirvana (ultimate spiritual attainment) and are referred to as the "Worthy Ones"

Deer-sitting Arahant ( Pindola the Bharadvaja)

Sitting dignified on a deer in deep thought and with perfect composure, he is contented with being above worldly pursuits. He was a Brahmin, a powerful Government Official in India who left his position to become a monk. He later convinced the King to give up his throne to his son and join him in the monastery as a monk.

Happy Arahant (Kanaka the Vatsa)

His posture is one of decimating the demons and hands raised for jubilation, and wild with joy. Kanaka the Vatsa was a well-known public speaker and debater of the Buddhist doctrines. When asked what happiness is, he would answer that it is experienced through the five senses. When asked what bliss is, he would reply that bliss is joy coming not from the five senses but from deep within, like feeling Buddha in his heart.

Raised-Bowl Arahant (Kanaka the Bharadvaja)

He was a Buddhist mendicant monk who used to ask for alms by raising his bowl. His posture is in majestic grandeur, as joy descends from heaven, he raised the bowl to receive happiness,



Raised-Pagoda Arahant (Nandimitra)

He was the last disciple of the Buddha. In memory of his dear beloved master, Nandimitra often carried a specially made pagoda with him, signifying that Buddha was always there, forever and ever.

Meditating Arahant (Nakula)

Nakula was a warrior with immense strength who later gave up the life of fighting and killing to become a monk. He practiced meditation diligently and finally attained Nirvana, but still physically exhibited his muscular body.



Oversea Arahant (Bodhidruma)

Bodhidruma in Sanskrit means virtuous and sagacious. He traveled the world to spread the teaching of the Buddha, carrying always with him the Sutras.

The Life of Buddha - Part 2

For six long years, the ascetic Gotama (Prince Siddhattha) wanders around the highways and roads of India. He goes to two of the greatest teachers at that time, Alara Kamala and Uddaka Ramaputta who taught him everything of their religous wisdom. But the ascetic Gotama is still not satisfied, as their teachings do not lead to the cessation of sufferings. With unrelenting energy he undergoes rigorous ascetic discipline, both mental and bodily, seeking a way to stop sufferings through more sufferings. Finally, he ended being very thin, emaciated and a mere skeleton.
Doing way with luxurious living and self torture, the Bodhisattva Prince opt out for the Middle Path of Virtue (Sila), concentration of the mind (Samadhi), and the intensive analysis of psyche-physical phenomena that finally leads to things as they really are (Panna). Seated under the Bodhi tree at Buddhagaya, He attains Samma Sambodhi and becomes the Supreme Buddha.

Having realised The Four Noble Truths- The Noble Truth of Suffering; the cause of suffering; the cessation of suffering and the Path leading to the cessation of suffering, The Buddha decides to teach the five ascetics namely Kondanna, Bhaddiya, Vappa, Mahanama and Assaji of the Brahmin clan. At the end of this First Discourse or Dhammacakkappavattana Sutra, Kondanna realises the first path and fruition of the Stream-winner (Sotapanna), or one who goes against the stream of Samsara. ( the repeating cycle of life and death.)

"Go now and wander for the welfare of many." The Buddha stayed in Isipatana for many rainy seasons. However, within a few weeks after the Buddha delivered his First Discourse, all five ascetics reached the first fruition Sainthood or Arahants disciples of the Buddha. Over fifty five others followed suit before the the rainy season is over. The Buddha now exhorts his sixty disciples, "Go forth ye bhikkhus, for the welfare of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the good, welfare and happiness of gods and men. Accordingly His disciples set forth to spread the new teachings.

The Life Of Buddha Part 1

On a full moon in the month of Visakha (May) a prince was named Prince Siddhattha in Lumbini Park. His mother was Queen Maha Maya and his father was King Suddhodana. Their kingdom was the Kingdom of Sakya. His birth occured when Queen Maha Maya and her retinue were on the way to her parental home in Devadaha.
As a prince, Siddhatta grew up in a variety of sensual delights, beautiful dancing girls, music and songs, fragrance perfume, very fine silk clothings and priceless gems and jewellery. He even has three palaces all for himself; one for summer, one for the rainy season and one for winter.

On a certain day, he took a tour of the city and came upon the four sights, i.e. an old man, a sick man, a dead body and finally an ascetic. On one look at him, the Prince took the decision to renounce the world and led a homelessness life.

In the month of July, he receives news that his wife, the beautiful Princess Yasodhara has given birth to a baby boy. Feeling alarmed by the news, that this fetter might bind him further to the world , The Prince decides to leave the palace that very night. For the sake of his father,his Queen, his son and all mankind , he would leave the world to search a way to save the world from all sufferings. This is known as the Great Renunciation.

Ksitigarbha

Ksitigarbha or Ti Tsang Wang Pusa in Chinese. He also a very popular Mahayana Buddhist Bodhisattva who is usually represented by a monk holding a six ring staff and a red fire ball which said to symbolised a jewel. The chinese name Ti Tsang is translated as "Earth Treasury"

Ti Tsang Wang Pu Sa is revered ad the protector of stillborn,miscarried and aborted babies. He is also the protective deity of travellers and guardian of pregnant women. He protects against earthquakes, and he a guardian of children.

Ksitigarbha is also renowned as the Bodhisattva of the Hell Beings and his vow not to achieve Buddhahood until all the hells are cleared. His famous vow follows: "Not until all the hells are emptied will I become a Buddha."

The history of Ksitigarbha is recorded in the Sutra of the Great Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, one of the famous Mahayana sutras. This sutra is said to be spoken by The Lord Buddha to the devas of Thirty Three Devas as a mark of rememberence and gratitude for his mother, Mahadevi.

In this sutra, the Buddha revels that in the distant past, Ksitigarbha was a Brahman woman by the name of Sacred Girl. She was very sad when her mother died, because her mother had often been slanderous towards the Three Jewel.

To save her from hell, Sacred Girl sold whatever she had and use the money to buy offerings to the Buddha at that time, The Buddha pf Flower of Meditation and Englightenment. She made fervent prayers that her mother be spared from hell and requested the Buddha for assistance.

One day, while pleading for help she heard the voice of the Buddha asking her to go home immediately and there to sit down and chant his name if she wanted to know where her mother was.

She did so, her consciousness was transported to a Hell Realm. There, she met a guardian of hell and he told Sacred Girl that through her constant prayers and pious offerings, her mother had accumulated much merits and had already been released and had ascended to the heavens.

She was greatly relieve and she should be very happy, but the scenes of the sufferings in the Great Hells she had seen so touched her heart that she made this famous vow to her very best to relieve the sufferings of beings forever in their future lives in the eons to come.

Mantra:Namo Ti Tsang Wang Pusa

Samantabhadra

Samantabhadra or The Bodhisattva of Universal Virtue usually rides on a six-tusked white elephant. In chinese, she is known as Pu Hsien Pusa. The six tusks represents overcoming the attachment to the senses. It also signifies the Six Paramitas (perfections), i.e. charity,morality, paitence, diligence, contemplation and wisdom.

The paramitas are the six ways Bodhisattvas pursue their spiritual practice to attain full enlightenment to benefit all sentient beings. Samantabhadra embodies all the practices which must be fulfiled in order to attain Buddhahood.

According to the Flower Garland Sutra, a Bodhisattva practitioner must dedicate all of his or her efforts towards the enlightenment of all sentient beings and to dedicate everything for the welfare of all.

In this way, all selfishness and the self-cherishing manner are completely transcended, and one enters the ocean of merits of all enlightened beings.

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva is also famous for his practice of the Bodhisattva's Ten Great Vows:
1. To respect all Buddhas
2. To make praises to infinite number of Buddhas
3. To make extensive offerings to all the Buddhas
4. To confess and purify all negative karmas
5. To rejoice in the merits of others
6. To request the turning of the Dharma Wheel (Buddha's teachings)
7. To request the Buddha to remain in the world to benefit all beings
8. To always follow the Buddha's path
9. To live harmoniously with all living beings
10.To dedicate all merits for the welfare of all living beings

A chinese monk, Hui Chih, went to Er Mei Shan in China, and built a temple devoted to Samantabhadra in 399 A.D. Since than, Er Mei Shan has become the sacred site of Samantabhadra.

Guru Padmasambhava

According to Tibetean legends, Guru Padmasambhava or the Guru Rinpoche was incarnated as an eight year old child appearing in a lotus blossom on the Dhanakosha Lake, in Uddiyana, somewhere in the valley of ancient India, now Pakistan.

His special natural abilities was recognized by the king, and he married Mandarava , one of his daugthers, to him. More than a thousand years ago, Guru Rinpoche, the Lotus born blessed this earth with his presence.

It was Guru Padmasambhava who defeated all opposing forces and set up Buddhism in its supreme form in Tibet. He taught the Tibetean King Trisong Detsen : " The root of the secret mantra, the tantric swift methods, is to keep the samaya committments. The roots of samaya , the bond to one's spiritual teacher teacher, are devotion and effort. And the root of these two is prayer: to pray to your spiritual Master and yidam deity."

There are many blessed prayers to invoke Guru Rinpoche the most famous and well known is called The Seven Line Prayer and the last line which is also his mantra.

The Seven Line Prayer

In the north-west land of Orgyen,
In the heart of a lotus flower,
Endowed with the most marvelous attaiments,
You're renowned as the lotus-born,
Surrounded by many host of dakinis
Following in your footsteps
I pray to you: come and bless me with your grace!

Mantra

Om Ah Hung Benza Guru Pema Siddhi Hung

Manjusri

Manjusri is the eldest Bodhisattvas and usually known as the Prince of Wisdom. Actually, the word "Manjusri: is a sanskrit word meaning "wonderful virtue" or "wonderful auspicious". Of all the Bodhisattvas, Manjusri has the greatest wisdom, and so he is also known as "The Great Wise Bodhisattva Manjusri. Of all the Bodhisattvas, he hold the highest rank, and he is listed first before before the Bodhisattva who Observes the Sound of the World.

There are four great Bodhisattvas, the first one is Manjusri, the second one is Avalokitesvara or Kuan Yin the third one is Bodhisattva Universal Worthy or Samantabhadra and finally the fourth Bodhisattva is Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha or Earth Store. (In chinese Ti Tsang Wang Pusa).

According to Buddhist legends, Bodhisattva Manjusri stays in Mount Wutai in China. He became a Buddha long time ago and was called Buddha of the Race of Honored Dragon Kings. After enlightenment, he manifested as a Bodhisattva in order to practice the Way, teach and transform living being, assisting the Buddha Sakyamuni to spread the dharma.

Mantra

Om Ah Ra Pa Tsa Na Dhi

The Green Tara

The tradition of worshipping to the Goddess Tara comes from Lama Atisha - the founder of the Kadampa lineage. His main Deity is the Goddess Tara.

The Goddess Tara is a special deity. Many aeons ago before the Buddha Sakyamuni, at the time of Buddha Nadra, there was a princess called Neshe Dawa. She generated Bodhicitta (compassionate) mind to free beings from sufferings. She also vow to reach Buddhahood in the female form. Furthermore, she pledged to work for the benefit of sentient beings in the female aspect until samsara ends.

Just before becoming a Buddha, she achieved a special kind of power which is to quickly bestow realisations on sentient beings. She assists all living being through skillful means, appearing many different forms to suit the needs of disiciples.

Even between prayers and practices, in the monastery,His Holiness The Dalai Lama requests monks to recite these mantras. One of the main pujas among lay people is the 21 praises to Tara - to succeed in business and to be freed from any sickness.

Mantra

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha

The 33 Chinese Forms of Kuan Yin Pusa

1. Yang Liu Kuan Yin, who holds a willow branch,symbol of her healing powers. Her willow branch drips with sweet dew.

2. Long Tou Kuan Yin with the dragon, symbol of Kuan Yin's Power.

3. Chi Jing Kuan Yin holdng the Prajnaparamita sutra, symbol of her perfection of Wisdom

4. Yuan Guang Kuan Yin of wholesome light symbolizing the vast Wholeness of Light that banishes all darkness and shadows.

5. Yu Xi Kuan Yin the playful Kuan Yin ever happy, laughing, smiling. playful, lighthearted aspect.

6. Bai Yi Kuan in the white-robed Kuan Yin symbolizing her purity.

7. Lian Wo Kuan Yin, sitting on a lotus leaf symbolizing she is enthroned and having dominion over the chakras.

8. Long Jian Kuan Yin, who views waterfalls or swift water symbolizing she is the Goddess of Energy flow, and the Waterfall of Light and Blessing coming down from Above.

9. Shi Yao Kuan Yin, who gives medicines - she is the Bestower of all Healing, Remedies, Cures at all levels.

10. Yu Lan Kuan Yin, with the fish basket, signifying Abundance, Prosperity, Fertility, as well as Community, Friendship, Marriage, the Auspicious Symbol of the Double Fishes, also all of this through Mastery of Water and Emotion.

11. De Wang Kuan Yin the Queen of Merit or Virtue.

12. Shui Yue Kuan Yin of moon and water - Mastery of emotion , the Water element; dominion over images and appearances or reflections.

13. Yi Ye Kuan Yin of the one leaf - attaining the Whole, through one part of the whole,because every part has the whole contained in it.

14. Qing Jing Kuan Yin, blue throat Kuan Yin for pacifying all poisons-mental, emotional, physical.

15. We De Kuan Yin powerful and virtuous Kuan Yin

16. Yan Ming Kuan Yin, who bestows longevity-extending not only quantitiy but quality of Life and Life force.

17. Zhong Bao Kuan Yin bring treasures of very kind, including hidden treasures of Teachings and Blessings

18. Yan Hu Kuan Yin of the rock cave - this is the Secret Chamber, the cave of subconscious and unsubconscious, which Kuan Yin has dominion over.

19. Ning Jing Kuan Yin calming Kuan Yin bringing harmony, peace of body, mind and soul, helping to overcome anger.

20. A Nou Kuan Yin, shows Kuan Yin seated on a rock looking out over the sea to find beings in distress.

21. A Mo Kuan Yin as an emanation of Buddha Amoghasiddhi, one of the five Dyani Buddhas symbolizing fearlessness.

22. Ye Yi Kuan Yin, leaf robed Kuan Yin a healing and nurturing form.

23. Liu Li Kuan Yin lapis lazuli Kuan Yin - lapis is the color of healing and long life, signiflying the Healing Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

24. Do Lo Kuan Yin emanating as the form of Tara, the swift liberator.

25. Ge Li Kuan Yin of the clam signifies Kuan power to open or shut all closed and unmoving situations, people and energies, worker of miracles.

26. Liu Shi Kuan Yin of six hours symbolizing the ancient Chinese "clock" which was divided into 3 periods of six hours. This signifies her mastery of time, so Kuan Yin protects throughout the day and night.

27. Pu Bei Kuan Yin universally compassionate Kuan Yin

28. Ma Lung Kuan Yin the wife of Ma Lung based on a legend.

29. He Jang Kuan Yin with palms joined in prayer, symbolizing harmony and goodwill with others.

30. Yi Ru Kuan Yin of Oneness in all ways signiflying wholeness, integration of oneself with Kuan Yin. In this form, she stands on a Cloud and has mastery over all Energy.

31. Bu Er Kuan Yin, the non-dual Kuan Yin not separate or divided or fractured from Oneself or from Kuan Yin.

32. Chi Lian Kuan Yin, who holds the lotus symbol of mastery of the chakras

33. Sa Shui Kuan Yin of pure water signifying pure liquid Light and Nectar

Avalokitesvara

"Who is a Bodhisattva?" The term "Bodhisattva" is a Sanskirt word with Bodhi meaning Wisdom or Enlightenment and "Sattva" meaning Essence or Being. Thus we joined this two words together, Bodhisattva means an aspiring or wisdom being who is determined to attain Buddhahood.


When enlightened, he renounces Nirvana and goes on living in this Samsara world for the sake of others, and finally becomes a fully Enlightened Buddha or a Samyaksambuddha after perfecting himself during an infinite period of time.


According to Lord Buddha, there are many in the past who practised these Buddhist principles and had attained Buddhahood. Out of the most famous is Kuan Yin or the Goddess of Mercy for which many Buddhist devotees would have recited her name and prayed to her in the various temples.


The name Kuan Shih Yin Pusa is the direct translation of his Sanskrit name of Avalokitesvara which has the following meaning:-


Kuan - 'contemplate of look on'
Shih - 'the world or region of sufferers'
Yin - 'all sounds of the world, i.e. the crying sounds of beings, verbal or mental,
and seeking seeking salvation which touch the heart of the Lord who pities.'

In one of the Chinese Mahayana sutras called "Meow Hwa Lian Hwa Keng" or the "Pure Lotus Sutra, an entire chapter is devoted to Kuan Yin in which the Lord Buddha describes this Bodhisattva as one who has her face turned in every direction in order to save all beings and that there is no form or shape that Kuan Yin will not assume to preach the Dharma to sentient beings.

In the same sutra, the Lord Buddha said that anyone who calls upon Kuan Yin with a faithfully heart, will be delivered instantly from all his or her sufferings. By virtue of her supernatural powers, is is able to save all sentient beings from all kinds of danger, give them whatever they want, and preach the dharma freely by appearing in whatever form that suits the nature of the faithful.

Mantra

Om Mani Padme Hum

Medicine Buddha

The Medicine Buddha had the following aims, before gaining Enlightenment,

"May I relieve those afflicted by diseases which destroys life, destroy work, leave familes broken, worsen suffering and take happiness away. May I relieve them of their diseases and suffering, relieve their inner, outer, and secret diseases. May I stop natural calamities and the diseases or unhappiness arising from that. May I be the cause of people being freed from suffering."

This special aim was achieved upon his gaining Enlightenment. He is much respected for both people in the healing profression and people seeking right doctors, treatment, diagnosis, healing and effective medicine. The Medicine Buddha is able to stop natural calamities and the negativities, diseases or suffering arising from them.

The Medicine Buddha body's is cool soothing blue like lapis lazuli, representing his pervasive energy of healing. Practice to him ensures faster recovery from illnessess, the blessing of medicines, strength and clarity of the mind to bring peace into your heart.

Mantra

Tayatha Om Bekanze Bekanze Maha

Bekanze Bekanze Rantsa Samugathe Soha

Amitabha Buddha

Amitabha Buddha is sometimes known as the Buddha of Infinite Life or The Buddha of Infinite Light. Admired all over the East of Asia, followers pray and devote themselves to Him to be reborn from a lotus in his Pure Land (Sukhavati)

In the sutras, it is written that Amitabha Buddha made 12 great vows to help and benefit all sentient beings. He functions as the Buddha of increase in all benefical to our lives.

He also grants us an lots of worldly necessities like good health,good family, good living conditions and helpful friends. Amitabha Buddha also helps us to discard the darkness of ignorance and to developed attainment and compassion.

In Tibetan Buddhism, it is normal for Dhamma students to offer the statue of Amitabha Buddha to their Lamas or gurus, as a request for them to live long and continue to spread Buddhism.

Mantra

Namo O Mi Two Fwo

Sakyamuni Buddha

Before being an Enlightenened One, Sakyamuni Buddha was Prince Siddharta who had everything he ever wanted. But he was not allowed to see sufferings.

One day, he decided to take a stroll outside the palace, and was shocked to see an old man, a sick person, a yogi and a dead body.

After this sights, he realised that there is no happiness in this very life and renounced his princely world to seek the truth and a way to end suffering.

He struggled and meditated beneath the Bodhi tree for seven long years and finally became Enlightened. He was the Buddha, the Tathagata

By cultivating various skillful means, he taught that there are 84,000 ways to the Truth or be Enlightened and his followers took his teachings to heart and spread it to the world. And his teachings or Dhamma are in the many forms and schools of Buddhism today.

Mantras

Om Muni Muni Maha Muni Sakyamuni Yeh Soha