There is a great tradition of seeking complete cessation from life (Nirvana). During the 5th century, Prince Siddartha Gautama achieved this final cessation. He renounced his life as a prince. Becoming a wandering ascetics, he practiced severe austerities. He released himself from attachment and suffering, by the method of the middle path.
Like all beings of a mundane World (Samsara), Buddha too lived many lives before attaining enlightenment. From the merit collected in those lifetimes, he was reborn in Tushita Heaven. As a Bodhisattva “White Banner” (Shvetaketu), his birth took place. Bodhisattva perfects their traits and waits in Tushita for the right time and place of a final rebirth in this heaven.
This includes the right time, family, caste, and lineage for the perfect rebirth of the soon-to-be Buddha. Buddha-nature leads them on the path to ultimate understanding as enlightened Buddha.
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