Liberation Comes Through Understanding

Buddhism was born toward the end of the sixth century B.C.E. The word "Buddhism" comes from the Sanskrit verb which in the Vedic scriptures foremostly signifies "to know," then "to wake up." The one who knows, the one who wakes up, is called a buddha. The Chinese have translated the word "buddha" as "an awakened person." Buddhism is, therefore, a doctrine of awakening, a doctrine of insight and understanding.

But the Buddha made it known from the beginning that this awakening, this understanding, can only be acquired by the practice of the "Way" and not by studies or speculation. Liberation, in Buddhism, comes about through understanding and not by grace or merit.

---Thich Nhat Hanh---