The story of Buddha took place 2,500 years ago, but it still has not come to an end. Just as Buddha came to this earth to show us all the path to enlightenment, even now the awakened ones are showing this same path to countless others in far-away worlds. In those lands they take birth, search for the truth, show the way to awaken from ignorance, and then pass away, all for the sake of leading others to happiness.
And the buddhas have not abandoned those of us on this planet either. Although we cannot see them with our eyes, it is still possible to find them with our heart. For all of us have the pure buddha-nature within, and the more we overcome our close-minded selfishness, the more we open ourselves to the rays of inspiration that shine continuously from all the buddhas in the universe.
Although Buddha passed away a long time ago in a small village in India, his teachings of love and wisdom have never died. His disciples who lived with him first mastered and then passed on his teachings to others. And they in turn taught them to still others. In this way they have reached us today.
Everyone, in every country, no matter what he or she believes, can learn from these teachings of the compassionate Buddha. By following them properly, we can get rid of all selfishness, hatred, and greed. We can conquer all fear and reach the same peace and understanding that Prince Siddhartha found under the Tree of Enlightenment. In the same way that he did, we can each become a buddha, an awakened one. We can bring the same happiness to others that he did.
May all beings be happy!