Shakyamuni Buddha

The Historical Buddha – Teacher of the Path to Awakening

Who is Shakyamuni Buddha?

Shakyamuni Buddha (Sanskrit: Śākyamuni, meaning “Sage of the Shakya Clan”) is the historical founder of Buddhism. Born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama in the 5th–6th century BCE in what is now Nepal, he lived a life of privilege until a deep encounter with the realities of aging, sickness, and death led him to seek the truth beyond worldly pleasures.

After years of ascetic practice and deep meditation, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India. From that moment, he became the Buddha — “The Awakened One” — and dedicated his life to teaching the Dharma: the path to freedom from suffering.

Symbolism and Iconography

  • Color: Golden (symbolizing enlightenment and the perfection of virtues)
  • Mudra (hand gesture): “Earth-touching” gesture (Bhumisparsha Mudra) — calling the Earth to witness his enlightenment
  • Attributes: Seated in meditation, serene and still, often with a begging bowl
  • Posture: Cross-legged, symbolizing stability and spiritual grounding

Spiritual Significance

Shakyamuni Buddha is not worshiped as a god, but revered as a supreme teacher who revealed that liberation lies within each of us. His teachings — the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path — remain the foundation of all Buddhist traditions.

“You are your own master. No one saves you but yourself.”

When to Call Upon Shakyamuni Buddha

  • When seeking wisdom and clarity in life’s decisions
  • In moments of inner conflict or spiritual doubt
  • To develop mindfulness and compassion
  • As a reminder to walk the path of truth and ethical living

Mantra

Sanskrit:Om Muni Muni Maha Muniye Svaha
Tibetan: ཨོཾ་མུ་ནི་མུ་ནི་མ་ཧཱ་མུ་ནི་ཡེ་སྭཱ་ཧཱ་

This mantra honors Shakyamuni as the great sage and teacher, invoking blessings of wisdom, patience, and liberation.

Shakyamuni in Your Life

Displaying Shakyamuni’s image or reciting his mantra is a way to connect with the roots of Buddhist wisdom, cultivate a calm mind, and remember that enlightenment is possible here and now.

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$19.99 USD

“In the quiet of your own mind, the Buddha’s voice can still be heard.”