The Essence of Buddhist Teachings
Key Insights & Analysis

Buddha isn't depicted as a deity, but rather as a human being, just like each one of us. He experiences the same emotions and trials as we do. Drawing closer to Buddha involves confronting hardship and pain. By acknowledging our own suffering, we allow the Buddha within us to address its source, understand its roots, and guide us towards peace, joy, and liberation.In the Discourse on Turning the Wheel of the Dharma, a sutra found in the Buddhist scripture Samyutta Nikaya, we learn of Buddha's journey to enlightenment. Originally named Siddhartha Gautama, Buddha embarked on a quest at the age of 29 to alleviate his own suffering and that of others. After six years of meditation and study under various teachers, he attained enlightenment.Buddha then shared his insights with the five ascetics he had practiced with before. He imparted the Four Noble Truths: the reality of suffering, the causes of suffering, the possibility of alleviating suffering, and the Noble Eightfold Path leading to liberation.