The historical Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama about 2,500 years ago in Lumbini, at the foot of the Himalayas (in today's Nepal). He grew up in luxury, received the best education and knew no suffering.
The path to enlightenment
At the age of 29 the young prince secretly left the palace and on three consecutive days met an old man, a sick man and a dead man. This shook him: he understood that nothing in life is permanent and that even the best things will one day pass. He left his home to find a happiness that does not depend on outer conditions.
For six years he studied with the best teachers in India and tried many practices. Finally he sat in deep meditation under a tree in Bodh Gaya and attained enlightenment – a state of complete clarity of mind. From then on he was called the Buddha – "the Awakened One".
The teaching
The Buddha's teachings on kindness, compassion and attention to the present moment are the basis of Buddhism – one of the most widespread philosophies and religions in Asia. Buddhism does not impose dogmas but encourages everyone to test the truth of the teachings through their own experience and meditation.
The symbol in jewellery
The image of the Buddha – seated in meditation, with half-closed eyes and a calm smile – is a symbol of peace, wisdom and inner harmony. A pendant or bracelet with the Buddha is worn as a reminder to be calm, mindful and kind to others. It is often combined with natural stones – onyx, lava, amethyst or tiger's eye.
It is important to wear Buddha jewellery with respect for a symbol that is sacred to millions of people around the world.
Photo: Béria Lima de Rodríguez, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
