. There he sat under a Bodhi tree determined to stay until he received Enlightenment. Beginning his yoga, he progressed through ever higher states of consciousness until he gained an insight that forever transformed him and convinced him that he had freed himself from the round of samsāra and rebirth, (Buddha, 81) becoming the Buddha, which means "Enlightened One." From this experience he extrapolated the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-fold Path. After enlightenment, the Buddha was very pleased: The holy life has been lived out to its conclusion! he cried out triumphantly (Buddha, 83-84). Although some physical ailments and other vicissitudes would plague him in the future, his inner peace would be untouched and he would suffer no serious mental pain. Now aware of the path to Enlightenment, the Buddha would immediately go forth and spread his message, compelled by the very nature of the enlightenment that he had achieved to do would he could for [those people who had to be rescued] (Buddha, 97). Although others would follow the Buddhas path to enlightenment, none would equal him. All future followers would become Arahants, inferior to the Buddha since he had achieved enlightenment by himself.Despite failing in his first attempt to teach, the Buddha was successful in converting his former ascetic companions. The reaction of his former companions is one that would happen often. As the Buddha approached people, or as people approached the Buddha, they would be immediately struck by his serenity and confidence. How peaceful you look! How alert! stated Upaka, the first to meet the Buddha after his enlightenment (Buddha, 98). The Buddha exuded kindliness, serenity, compassion, and confidence, and his manner would frequently defuse hostility in humans, gods and animals alike (Buddha, 99). In addition to diffusing hostility, the Buddhas manner would aid in converting future followers and, in one instance, converting several m...
