The word comes from ‘budhi’, ‘to awaken’. It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35.
The birthday of the historical Buddha is celebrated on different dates by various schools of Buddhism. In most of Asia it is observed on the first full moon date of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar (typically May). But in other parts of Asia the day falls a month or more either earlier or later.
Photo Abraham Menashe
WHAT DO BUDDHA NAMES MEAN?
Buddha: “One who is Awakened,” or “Enlightened One”.
Siddhartha: “He who achieves his aim”.
Gautama Buddha: Gutama was his family name.
Shakyamuni Buddha: “Thus Gone.” One who has gone beyond suffering.
Sugata: “well Gone,” “Gone to Goodness,” “Gone to Bliss.”
Bhisakka: Great physician who cures the suffering of beings.
Lokavid: “Knower of the World.”