Small Jade Resting Buddha

The word Buddha comes from a Sanskrit/Pali word that means one who has awakened or been enlightened. In the context of Indian religions it functions as a title for one who has been enlightened. It is a title of office much like the word king, a word that denotes both the person who holds the office and also a larger conceptual framework, something one would call kingship or kinghood. It is not a word exclusive to the Buddhist religion by any means. Many persons have been so described but Buddhists use it in a strong sense to mean a person or persons who have had a powerful and transformative effect upon culture and history.

The Buddha is sitting in a peaceful meditation position.