In Buddhism, buddhas are revered as exceptional moral teachers, serving as exemplars of the ideals that every Buddhist strives to attain.

Buddha

In Buddhism, buddhas are revered as exceptional moral teachers, serving as exemplars of the ideals that every Buddhist strives to attain.

What Does “Buddha” Mean?

A buddha is an individual who has reached enlightenment and broken free from the cycle of samsara. The Pali/Sanskrit term “buddha” translates to “the awakened one” or “enlightened one,” conveying a buddha’s profound understanding of the true nature of reality. Because the term “buddha” signifies the quality of awakening — a quality we all have — it may therefore refer to different entities.