The Victor

The Buddha - it is written - was once asked whether he was a man or a god.
He replied: "I am neither a man nor a god, I am a victor".
He was referring to the fact that he had been victorious over his mind and it's constituents: desire and ego.

The one who realises the Self, does not become a god, nor does he remain an ordinary man, for he is identical with Infinite Being, which is beyond all categories. The individual cannot become 'God'. That which is unreal cannot become real.

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The Bhumisparsha Mudra (Touching the Earth Gesture)

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At the moment the Buddha attained victory over the ego, He touched the Mother Earth with His hand, signifying that the victory belonged to the Goddess. Enlightenment cannot be attained without Her Grace.