ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Buddhist mythology

Okay kiddo, have you ever heard of Buddhism? It's a religion that believes in finding inner peace and enlightenment. Well, within Buddhism, there are many stories, or myths, that help people understand important teachings and concepts.

One of the most famous stories is about a prince named Siddhartha who became the Buddha. Siddhartha was born into a wealthy family and had everything he could ever want, but he still felt unhappy and unsatisfied. He decided to leave his luxurious life and search for a way to end suffering and find enlightenment.

After years of traveling and meditating, Siddhartha finally achieved enlightenment under a bodhi tree. He became the Buddha, which means "enlightened one," and spent the rest of his life teaching others how to find inner peace and end suffering.

Another important figure in Buddhist mythology is the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. He is often depicted as a compassionate and merciful being who helps people in need. According to legend, Avalokiteshvara has many arms and hands, each holding a different tool or symbol to represent his various abilities and qualities.

There are also many stories of Buddhist gods and goddesses, such as the god of wealth and prosperity, Kubera, and the goddess of mercy, Kuan Yin. These figures are often used to represent different aspects of Buddhist teachings and help people understand complex ideas in a more relatable way.

Overall, Buddhist mythology is a collection of stories and figures that help people understand the teachings and values of Buddhism. They provide a way to connect with the religion and its message in a more meaningful way.