In or about the fifth or sixth century B.C.E., a person named Gautama was born a prince to a royal family in Nepal.

"The future Shakyamuni Gautama Buddha was born in the 5th or 6th century BCE in what is now Nepal. Although historians believe there was such a person, much of his life story seems to be shrouded in legend.

Although we often speak of "the Buddha," there are many Buddhas in Buddhism. On top of that, the many Buddhas come with many names and forms and play multiple roles. The word "Buddha" means "one who woke up," and in Buddhist doctrine, any such enlightened individual is technically a Buddha. In addition, the word Buddha is often used to mean the principle of Buddha-nature. But of course, there is one historical figure that normally is considered the Buddha. 

According to legend, Siddhartha Gautama was the son of a king, and as a youth and young adult, he lived a sheltered and pampered life. In his late 20s, he was shocked to witness sickness, old age, and death for the first time, and he was filled with such dread he resolved to give up his royal birthright to seek peace of mind.

After several false starts, Gautama eventually settled determinately into deep meditation under the famous Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, in North Eastern India, and realized enlightenment, at about the age of 35. He was called Buddha, which means "one who woke up." He spent the rest of his life teaching and died at about the age of 80, achieving Nirvana. More detail about the life of Gautama can be read in The Life of the Buddha. "

(the above is adapted and excerpted from this excellent page by Barbara O'Brien Shakyamuni Buddha--The Historical Buddha)

Commonly referred to as "the Four Noble Truths", these anciently known truths could help you also:

• All people may experience joys and sufferings from moment to moment.

• Causes of joy and suffering are discernible.

• It is possible to achieve lasting happiness and to avoid, lessen, and prevent sufferings.

• In general, the way to do this is via walking "the Eightfold Noble Path" of virtuous conduct:

  • wise action

  • kind communication

  • critical thinking

  • good intention

  • dutiful awareness

  • appropriate focus

  • true understanding

  • virtuous efforts thereof (each of the above, simultaneously also)

further elucidation of the capabilities common to each of us with examples of such virtuous exertions:

bueno intent (good intentions)

definition:

a good intent is one that is holistically so (not making too many trade-offs nor too few)

ideal virtues:

• prudent & proud

• helpful & contributory

• positive & pure