Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Founder of Buddhism: Gautama Siddhartha is the historical figure who attained enlightenment and established the teachings of Buddhism. He is also commonly known as the Buddha, meaning "the awakened one."

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The teachings of Gautama Siddhartha emphasize compassion and the end of suffering.
  • Many pilgrims visit sites associated with the life of Gautama Siddhartha.

Advanced Usage

• "The Buddha Gautama": A formal title combining his name with his epithet.
  • The Buddha Gautama taught the Middle Way between indulgence and asceticism.

Variants and Related Words

• Buddha (n): The title given to Siddhartha Gautama after his enlightenment; it can also refer to the principle of enlightenment itself or to other enlightened beings.
  • The statue depicts the Buddha in a meditative pose.
• Siddhartha Gautama (n): An alternative name order.
• Shakyamuni (n): An honorific title meaning "Sage of the Shakya clan," often used in Mahayana Buddhism.
  • The teachings of Shakyamuni spread across Asia.

Synonyms

• The Buddha: The Enlightened One.
• The Tathagata: A term the Buddha used to refer to himself, meaning "one who has thus gone" or "one who has thus come."

Related Phrases

• "The life of Gautama": Refers to the narrative story of his birth, princely life, renunciation, quest, enlightenment, and teaching.
  • The life of Gautama is a source of inspiration for many.
• "Following the path of the Buddha": Adhering to the Buddhist teachings and practices.
  • She dedicated herself to following the path of the Buddha.

Noun

1. founder of Buddhism; worshipped as a god (c 563-483 BC)