After more than 2,600 years, the founder of Quantum Physics, Max Planck, says the same thing: "This mind is the matrix of all matters". How could a man born so early have such a conviction over such a complex and difficult matter when people in the Iron Age were dwelling in the wild and caves, when most of the human beings were not even aware of their own existence? On the other hand, after centuries, scientists who have conducted research on it for years come to the same conclusion that "mind is everything".

Quantum physicist Werner Heisenberg says: "What we are observing is not nature but nature as it is affected by our observing mind. Thus reality is defined by the mind that is observing". It is mind blowing and difficult to understand for common people even today. Further, the scientists see many other similarities between the Buddhist notion of 'emptiness' and 'impermanency', and the findings of quantum physics which only an individual of a science background can understand and explain in detail.

Lately, some people like the Indian Buddhist scholar Subachan Ram believes that science originated from the Buddha and Buddhism. It seems, the Buddha used his own power of observation within his mind (introspection), intellect and reasoning.

In commemoration, we are celebrating the 2,567th birth anniversary of Sidhartha Gautam Buddha as Buddha Purnima on May 5. Earlier, the date of birth of the Buddha was considered to be 563 B.C., but new findings suggest it to be 623 B.C. So, according to the new findings, the celebration could be the 2,646th birth anniversary. Some Buddhist followers have suggested changing the years of celebration as per the new findings.

"I am from the land of the Buddha," the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, has been introducing himself during his trips abroad. Although born in Lumbini, Nepal, Buddha spent most of his life in India. Till the ninth century, Buddhism was the vibrant religion in India, and 85 percent of the people followed it. After the arrival of Aadi Sankaracharya and the introduction of Hinduism, Buddhism saw its decline rapidly. To be truthful, Buddhism as a religion originated in India. So, the claim of India, as the land of the Buddha, cannot be denied or taken otherwise.

Modi is a devout Hindu nationalist from the RSS cadre. So, what makes him to introduce himself as from the land of the Buddha despite having millions of deities in his own religion like Ram, Shiva, Krishna, Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwor and so on? Are they irrelevant?

Why is the Buddha so great then? He is most revered throughout the universe by Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike for his teaching of non-violence, compassion and peace. There are many observations and comments from great people, renowned scientists and scholars on Buddha's teachings and Buddhism. Albert Einstein observed: "If there is any religion that could cope with modern scientific needs, it would be Buddhism". Likewise, Noble Prize Laureate and a top scholar of the West Bertrand Russell believes that "among the present day religions, Buddhism is the best. The doctrine of Buddhism is profound, they are almost reasonable."

Mohan Das Gandhi considered Buddha as the greatest teacher of mankind and 'Ahimsa' as the greatest truth uttered by him. Mahatma Gandhi adopted the movement of the Buddha's teachings of "peace and non-violence", which was instrumental in bringing down the powerful British colonial rule.

As most people know about his origin and the past, we also know that he gave up his royal privileges and prerogative, abandoned his family and left to live an ascetic life in search of the truth about human sufferings, misery and pain. Mostly, people of royal heritage opt for a life of luxury, privilege and indulgence in sensual pleasure. They love to exercise power over their subjects and rule the country. The Buddha could have followed the same path.

From his era till date, no one knows how many princes like him have been born and have died. No one remembers them or bothers to do so. Abandoning all the royal privileges, luxury and loved ones, he set out alone in the jungles, remote and in isolation, with the questions in his mind: what is the truth of life, why do people suffer, and how can human being be liberated from these sufferings?

If we go through the pages of history, we find great people who have made history. The great warrior, Alexander the Great of Macedonia, enlarged his empire from Egypt to India; Genghis Khan of Mongolia founded the largest land empire in history; Samrat Ashok was the greatest ruler of South Asia; Mahatma Gandhi launched a peace and non-violent movement against the British and brought freedom to India; Abraham Lincoln freed Afro-Americans from the clutches of racism and enslavement. Yet, people do not remember them so much. The Buddha, however, is held in the highest esteem and remembered forever.

In the spiritual and religion domain, Abraham, Jesus Christ, Prophet Muhammad and Brahma are prominent figures that dominate the world. Although fourth in the numbers of followers, Buddha is revered throughout the world. He did not claim to be a god. He never demonstrated miracle and supernatural powers. He just taught humans the simple facts of life that are logical and rational.

His basic teachings are known as the "Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path" that teach about the cause of human sufferings and liberation from them, known as 'Nirvana'. He renounced desire and greed, abandoned his family, relinquished royal privilege and power, and opted for a solitary, desolate and lonesome life for the sake of finding the path of liberation for all human beings from suffering and pain. Only a great human being can do that. Let us follow the teachings of the Buddha and liberate ourselves from suffering.

A version of this article appears in the print on May 5, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.