Buddha & Early Buddhism

  1. The Buddha, originally Prince Siddhārtha Gautama, was the heir of the Śākya clan who attained complete awakening and became 'the Awakened One' after a profound meditative absorption that led to the cessation of greed, hatred, and delusion.

  2. On his journey outside the royal palace, Siddhārtha encountered four visions: old age, sickness, death, and a wandering ascetic.

  3. The simile of a stringed instrument being neither too tight nor too loose refers to the 'Middle Way.' This concept, realised by Siddhārtha, signifies a balanced discipline grounded in mindful awareness, avoiding the extremes of indulgence and self-mortification in the quest for liberation.