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Buddha

The historical Buddha, as much as history can tell us, was wise and compassionate. This in itself is no great matter but there is much to indicate that he was a fully enlightened human being. Not only enlightened himself but he taught others how to discover this enlightenment. The word 'Buddha' most commonly refers to the historical person that was Siddhattha Gotama but it has much deeper meaning and is literally a title meaning 'that which is awakened' or 'the enlightened one'.

The suggestion here is three-fold; the Buddha was a human being, he realised enlightenment and he was able to teach what he had realised. So, his life points to a human quality or a way of being that (as humans) we are all able to realise. The truth of the Buddha's awakening is accessible. Some faith in his enlightenment is necessary. With this faith I am able to take refuge in Buddha. I can be confident knowing that my difficulties are not permanent. I can feel safe, following the Buddha's example, knowing that I too have the potential to be free from these difficulties. I can develop wisdom and compassion and become enlightened, free from suffering.

Refuge in Buddha is refuge in a wise and compassionate teacher; it is refuge in my own potential to realise 'Buddhahood' - freedom.

There is a lot more information on both "Buddha Images" [§] and "The Buddha's Life Story" [§]