At first Siddhartha lived for several years as an ascetic - leading a very simple life of self-denial, with no possessions, little food and avoiding pleasure. He meditated and fasted, but this just made him weak. He realised that he wasn't any closer to understanding what causes suffering.

Siddhartha then decided to follow a middle way - living without luxury, but not in poverty either.

After many years meditating, Siddhartha became enlightened. This means that he understood the true nature of the world. From then on, Siddhartha became known as the Buddha, the 'enlightened one.' He spent his remaining years developing his teachings which became known as the Dharma.

Y9 Buddhism

The Buddha and Enlightenment