Was there only one Buddha? This seems like a weird question. the first step is to decide what Buddha means and whether or not it is a name.
According to the dictionary, Buddha means enlightened one. This source says that there were buddhas before Guatama, but that he was the last Buddha.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/buddha
This site has a different point of view -- claiming many buddhas.
http://www.answers.com/topic/buddha-1
Okay I am just getting more confused instead of understanding Buddhism.
There are many different beliefs in Buddhism, and nearly impossible for us Westerners to understand it without a great deal of study.
I guess what I am trying to figure out is what are the basic beleifs if Buddhism. nI have not been able to find this answer.
Check these sites for the basic beliefs of Buddhism. The first one is especially concise, yet covers the beliefs very well.
http://www.buddhaweb.org/
http://www.religioustolerance.org/buddhism.htm
Thank You, I found the first sight to be very intresting, becuase they broke down the information so I could understand it easliy. I also like the second sight becuase this will give me a little more deatiled information.
You're very welcome.
Speaking as a westerner who is studying Buddhism, as a mode of living not necessarily a religion, I also find myself wondering whether or not there was only one Buddha. This question occurred to my while reading "Alone with Others an Existential Approach to Buddhism" by Stephen Bachelor. Many times before but most recently while reading and rereading this book I have wondered why hasn't the Buddhist way of life dominated the world, why are there so many divergent and conflicting schools of Buddhist thought, why have I never met anyone who appeared to be even remotely enlightened? After 2500 years it doesn't seem like this should be the case. So I ask is it possible there has only been one Buddha? Did the linguistic and cultural constraints of his time make it impossible for him to adequately convey his experience, which I believe all Buddhist agree was something that could not be conceptualized, to others to the degree necessary so that they could duplicate it? I realize that last posting to this forum was over a year ago but I hope someone responds I would love to hear someone else’s thoughts on this.
The term "Buddha" is often used to refer to Siddhartha Gautama, who is considered the founder of Buddhism and is commonly known as "The Buddha." However, it is important to understand that the title "Buddha" is not a proper name, but rather a descriptive term.
The word "Buddha" comes from the Sanskrit language and translates to "awakened" or "enlightened." In Buddhism, a Buddha is someone who has attained complete and perfect enlightenment, having gained deep insight into the nature of reality and the cessation of suffering.
While Siddhartha Gautama is the most well-known and revered Buddha, according to Buddhist beliefs, there have been and will continue to be other Buddhas throughout history. These Buddhas may arise in different worlds or realms, teaching and guiding sentient beings towards awakening and liberation from suffering.
Therefore, to answer your question, there have been and will be other beings who attain enlightenment and become Buddhas aside from Siddhartha Gautama. However, when people use the term "Buddha" without any specific context, they are generally referring to Siddhartha Gautama.