Buddha statue bought in Vietnam

Being Awake

“It is said that soon after his enlightenment the Buddha passed a man on the road who was struck by the Buddha’s extraordinary radiance and peaceful presence.  The man stopped and asked,

“My friend, what are you?  Are you a celestial being or a god?”

“No,” said the Buddha.

“Well, then, are you some kind of magician or wizard?” 

Again the Buddha answered “No.”

“Are you a man?”

“No.”

“Well, my friend, then what are you?”

The Buddha replied,

“I am awake.”

Namasté