Buddha Shakyamuni

Buddha (Skt., Tib. Sangye) is a name for the enlightened state of
mind.
The Buddha of our age is the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, (lit. “The Sage from the
Shakyas”), the fourth of the so-called “1,000 Buddhas of a world cycle”.

“Buddha” means “the Awakened One”. “Sang” means “completely purified” of all veils,
which obscure the clarity of mind. “Gye” means the “complete development” of all inherent
qualities of mind, including fearlessness, unending joy, limitless compassion, wisdom, and
activity for the good of all beings.

Buddha Shakyamuni is also called Siddhartha Gautama (Skt.). Every historical Buddha
introduces a new period of Dharma. Buddha Shakyamuni probably lived in the 5th century
BCE in ancient India. He is the historical Buddha of this eaon and the fourth among