From Miraculous Birth to the Buddha's Enlightenment

    A symbolic exploration of the Buddha's life-story

    These articles explore the symbolism of the mythic story of the founder of Buddhism to reveal mythic themes that reflect truths about the nature of the human condition.

    How the Buddha's life-story is our life-story.

    An examination of concepts and symbols embedded in the Buddha's life-story which act as a mirror for a deeper understanding of the meaning of one's...

    Queen Maya's Dream

    It starts with a dream. In the little Himalayan kingdom of the Shakya clan, King Suddhodana rules with his wife Queen Maya.

    Life in the Palace

    Childhood - the 'age of innocence' - is a protected period where our identity is formed.

    Four Fateful Trips Beyond the Palace

    The bubble of security bursts for Prince Gautama when he leaves the palace on four trips.

    The Great Renunciation

    A husband and father leaves in the dead of night, abandoning his family and his responsibilities.

    Two Teachers, Two Lineages

    The pre-training of the Great Bodhisattva is an important lesson for practitioners not to to just make up a personal practice.

    Retreat to the Forest & The Five Ascetics

    Having learned all he could from his spiritual teachers the Ascetic Gautama retreats to the forest.

    Sitting Under the Bodhi Tree

    Our story moves into its final act when the Great Bodhisattva, having now abandoned the ascetic life, makes his seat under the Tree of Awakening.

    The Great Awakening!

    We take a look at the symbolic meaning of the three temptations of Mara which led to the Buddha's final awakening.
    More from Traditional Stories

    Suffering Injustice

    Bodhidharma's Two Entrances | Part 1

    Bodhidharma talks about facing injustice, not by explaining what to do about it, but instead how to respond to it. A crucial entry point for walking the Way.

    The Buddhas of the Ten Directions

    The Way of Devotion

    The interconnected nature of consciousness means that we can have a more fluid relationship with reality, even calling on it for help if we need it.

    A Handful of Leaves

    Stories from the Tradition
    Martin Goodson
    Martin Goodson

    The Buddha explains why he only teaches a few of the many things he has seen.

    Two Temple Boys Meet at a Crossroads

    Stories from the Tradition

    Two temple boys try to outmatch each other’s skill in Zen.