Thank you, Buddha

June 2025

Gautama was born into a life of wealth and comfort, a prince shielded from suffering, surrounded by all the pleasant things in life. No illness, poverty, or death. His experience was only luxury, youth, and pleasure.

But even then, his karma ran deeper. He was curious and contemplative, grounded in a strong moral foundation. And there is no growth without contrast. When suffering finally pierced his sheltered world, he didn't turn away. He leaned in. He wanted to understand.

He went all the way, relentlessly.

At 35, he discovered what he had gone out searching for. He looked carefully and saw the truth: everything arises and fades.

We too are impermanent and emergent, like everything else. And if we live in accordance with this truth, it's only natural to be happier and more compassionate, taking and giving as gracefully as we can.

Pay attention. Be firm in your discernment of everything in life. Know yourself well and live with kindness.
I think that was his message.

He was as kind as he was courageous, and as much a student as he was a teacher. He taught with balance, never giving more than what was needed, never taking more than what he required.

His words were simple and carefully chosen. He spent his life sharing only what he believed mattered most.

He did not threaten nor did he overcomplicate. His teachings were always practical, inviting personal discovery rather than blind faith.

He simply said, "Come and see for yourself." His message was lean and easy to overlook, precisely because it was so subtle.

So thank you Buddha, a great friend from 2500 years ago, for being brave enough to go the whole way and loving enough to come back and show us how.