What is a Buddha?

Q: What does buddha mean?

A: "Buddha" means one who is awake. When we talk about "being awake" we are always awakening to something. So what are we awakening to? In this case, we are awakening little by little to the way things really are; to who and what we really are; to how the world and all that we experience actually is. Awakening in this context is about discovery and re-establishing our connection with ourselves, others, and the world. We can awaken to all the positive qualities of our heart mind; touching the wondrous, refreshing, and healing elements that are inside and around us, in all situations. This is possible for all of us even in this lifetime. The practices the Buddhas and Awakened Beings taught help us start that journey, one step at a time to allow us see through the layers covering our heart mind, remove those layers, and even in this very moment touch and live from that awakening of knowing who and what we really are.