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5 Lessons You Can Learn From Buddha’s Life and Teachings
Buddhism, the religion inspired by the life of the historical Buddha, is one of the world’s most popular spiritual paths. While its teachings can seem profound and alien at first, a close study of its life and teachings shows they are anything but. They are a source of deep personal insight and collective wisdom that can help us all as we face the challenges of our modern world.
The Buddha was born in India around the sixth century BC. He lived during a tumultuous time in history. He was one of many teachers who emerged during the religious and cultural upheaval that followed the death of the last Mauryan emperor in India. The Buddha and other great teachers of his time, such as the Hindu philosopher Nagarjuna and the sage Asvaghosa, are known as “the Great Tradition.”
The Buddha taught that the source of suffering is our misguided pursuit of pleasure and security. We can find lasting fulfillment when we let go of anger, hatred, and delusions. His teachings have been so influential that many of his ideas are still central to the spiritual practices of Buddhism today.
Here are 5 lessons you can take away from Buddha’s life and teachings: