The Awakening of the Buddha Retreat - Part 2

A MAP INTO THE ENLIGHTENED MINDEntering the Greatest Story of Spiritual AwakeningHow do we end suffering in the world. Over 2,500 years ago, a young prince was confronted for the first time with the timeless reality of illness, old age and death. Siddharta Gautama decided to leave behind his previous life, wealth, power and family, to devote himself completely to one thing: To find a way to free himself from suffering.

Thus began a path of seeking, learning from various teachers, living at times in the forest as an ascetic, meditating intensely, and finally attaining enlightenment one night under a Bodhi tree. A Buddha was born. The story of the Buddha is the most famous story of spiritual awakening.

But can we learn from it today, as seekers of truth in the 21st century. The word "Buddha" itself is a metaphor. It means the awakened one.

When approached in the right way, the story of the Buddha becomes a map of spiritual awakening. For the reality of impermanence, of age, death and rebirth is, in essence, timeless. In what ways did Siddharta meditate, how did he confront fears, desires, and obstacles - and finally become free of them all.