Shakyamuni Buddha

“The Buddha” commonly refers to Gautama Buddha, however Buddha is a title meaning “awakened one”, denoting one who has achieved nirvana, of which there are many and also refers to the principle of Buddha-nature in all. In Mahayana Buddhism, “Shakyamuni Buddha” refers to the historical Buddha, Siddhārtha Gautama who initiated the teachings of Buddhism. Shakyamuni means sage of the Shakya given that Siddhārtha Gautama, who was to become the Shakyamuni Buddha was born a prince of the Shakya clan.