# Buddha — A Confession character guide

> Buddha in A Confession by Leo Tolstoy.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0004-v

## Who they are

Founder of Buddhism, discussed as an example of a path to escape suffering.

## Relationships

### [Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/characters/narrator)

_psychological_

The narrator examines Buddha's teachings as a potential solution to his existential despair, but struggles with their renunciatory demands.

### [Solomon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/characters/solomon)

_psychological_

Both figures represent ancient wisdom on suffering and the futility of worldly desires, providing parallel insights for the narrator.

### [Schopenhauer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/characters/schopenhauer)

_psychological_

Schopenhauer's philosophy was heavily influenced by Buddhist concepts of suffering and renunciation, creating an intellectual kinship.

## In the story

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/chapters/vi)

Referenced as Sakya Muni, whose story of the prince encountering sickness, old age, and death illustrates the conclusion that life is the greatest evil.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/chapters/vii)

Referenced as Sakya Muni; his awareness of old age, suffering, and death prevents the narrator from adopting epicurean distraction.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/chapters/xiv)

Mentioned in the context of the Lives of Holy men, specifically the story of Buddha.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/characters/buddha
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_confession_se/characters