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What are the two senses of the word "Buddha"?

User Ecrb
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Final answer:

The term 'Buddha' refers to both Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, and any individual who has achieved enlightenment and is thus 'The Awakened One.'

Step-by-step explanation:

The two senses of the word "Buddha" are related to the individual Siddhartha Gautama, who achieved enlightenment, and the title that signifies someone who has reached a state of enlightenment. In the former, "Buddha" refers specifically to Siddhartha Gautama, the prince born in what is today Nepal around the fifth century BCE, who embarked on a spiritual quest and eventually attained enlightenment. In the latter sense, "Buddha" is used more generally to denote "The Awakened One," that is, an individual who has become enlightened and has comprehended the ultimate reality, freeing themselves from the cycle of suffering and rebirth.

User Fusseldieb
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