How to Be a Courageous Man: Inspired by the Life of the Bodhisatta | Calm Mind

How to Be a Courageous Man: Inspired by the Life of the Bodhisatta

Being a courageous man isn’t just about muscles, loud voices, or standing tall in front of danger. Real courage is mental. It's the inner strength that doesn’t waver even when everything around you is falling apart. And who better to learn this from than the greatest human being to ever walk this Earth the Bodhisatta, the Supreme Buddha before his Enlightenment.

Let’s explore how you can build such unshakeable courage by drawing inspiration from his journey especially the six painful, unbelievable years he spent in the forest, driven by one crystal-clear goal: Enlightenment.

The Real Meaning of Courage

We often confuse courage with aggression or fearlessness. But true courage is the ability to continue with purpose despite fear, discomfort, or suffering.

The Bodhisatta wasn’t just brave he was Maha Veera (The Great Hero). Leaving behind a life of unimaginable luxury, his beautiful wife, and his newborn son, he walked into the wild unknown not out of selfishness, but out of great compassion for all beings. He wanted to find the ultimate truth that ends suffering.

Now, that’s courage.

From Prince to Forest Hermit: Why He Left It All

The Bodhisatta, born as Prince Siddhartha, had everything palaces, servants, pleasures. But he saw through the illusion. He saw suffering in aging, sickness, and death. And he realized: no amount of money or comfort could prevent that.

So, at 29 years old, he walked away. Not because he was sad or broken but because he was driven by purpose.

This is your first lesson:

When your purpose is clear, giving up comfort becomes easy.

 

The Six Years of Extreme Asceticism

Once in the forest, the Bodhisatta joined teachers and practiced deep meditation. But he still didn’t find the truth. So, he pushed himself further. He decided to conquer desire and ego by denying the body.

He stopped eating.

He stopped speaking.

He reduced himself to skin and bones.

As described in the ancient texts, he took just one green bean a day. At his weakest, his backbone could be touched from his stomach. His eyes sank like deep wells, his head cracked when touched. He felt pain as if someone had sliced open his belly.

Still, his mind didn’t waver. Not once.

The Moment He Could Have Died

At one point, deities from heavenly realms, shocked by his condition, begged him not to stop eating entirely. They offered to inject divine nectar through his skin pores to keep him alive.

But the Bodhisatta refused anything that wasn’t earned through honest human effort.

Even gods couldn’t tempt him.

That’s the second lesson:

Stay loyal to your path, no matter who or what tries to distract you.

The Turning Point: Choosing Wisdom Over Torture

Eventually, the Bodhisatta realized this extreme path wasn’t the way to truth. Torturing the body weakens the mind. So, he broke his fast, took solid food, and regained strength. Others mocked him, saying he had failed.

But he knew better.

He sat under the Bodhi Tree, determined:

“Let only skin, sinew, and bones remain. I will not rise until I attain the supreme Enlightenment.”

That unshakable mental clarity, determination, and effort led to his victory.

What This Means for You

You may not live in a forest. You may not need to starve yourself. But you have goals, dreams, and challenges too.

• Maybe you want to pass an exam.

• Or start a business.

• Become the best student, a top athlete, or even a pilot.

But you’ll face hardships fatigue, criticism, fear, distractions. Most people quit. Change plans. Give up.

You don’t have to.

Your Three Weapons: Mindfulness, Effort, and Wisdom

The Bodhisatta didn’t have a coach. No guru stayed with him. No team helped him prepare.

He had only three tools:

1. Mindfulness (Sati) – Staying aware in the moment.

2. Effort (Viriya) – Keeping the energy alive.

3. Wisdom (Paññā) – Seeing things clearly.

You can cultivate all three.

"You don’t need to starve like him. But you must never starve your purpose."

 

Be Crystal Clear Like the Bodhisatta

One of the greatest lessons is clarity of purpose. He didn’t say, “Maybe I’ll try.” He said, “I will not move until I succeed.”

How clear are you about your goals?

Can you write it down in one sentence?

Can you say, “No matter what, I will get there”?

If not, now is the time.

Train Your Mind, Not Just Your Body

Most boys today hit the gym. They want six-pack abs, big arms. That’s great. But if your mind is weak, none of it matters.

The Bodhisatta’s body was broken. But his mind was strong like a mountain.

Train your mind by:

• Meditating daily (start with 5 minutes).

• Reading Dhamma or wise teachings.

• Reflecting on your life’s goals.

Ignore the Mockers

When the Bodhisatta gave up extreme practices and ate again, other ascetics laughed at him.

They said he was soft. Weak.

But he became the Buddha.

People may laugh at your dreams too. Let them. You’re not here to impress them. You’re here to achieve something timeless.

Even Gods Respect Determination

Imagine this: divine beings watching a man weaken to near death… and begging him to survive. That’s the level of commitment that even gods admire.

When you commit fully, life bends to your will. Doors open. People appear. Strength comes from nowhere.

But only when you go all in.

Don't Wait for Help. Walk the Path.

No one gave the Bodhisatta Enlightenment. No one carried him. He walked alone, with pain and struggle.

You too may walk alone sometimes. And that’s okay.

The Blessed One has shown the path now.

You just have to follow it.

Modern Life Needs Ancient Courage

You don’t need to go to the forest. Your “forest” may be school, home, workplace, or the online world.

But your courage still needs to shine.

Whenever you feel lost or hopeless, remember this:

A man who had palaces, who could rule kingdoms, chose suffering just to find truth.

You, too, can choose greatness even in little daily actions.

 

Follow the Path, Don’t Give Up

The Buddha said:

“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”

So walk.

Stumble if you must.

But don’t stop.

Conclusion: Maha Veera The Great Hero, and You

You may not be a prince.

You may not sit under a Bodhi tree.

But inside you is the same potential the power to be brave, to be clear, and to win.

The Bodhisatta didn’t succeed because he was born special.

He succeeded because he never gave up.

Take inspiration from his incredible journey.

Let mindfulness, effort, and wisdom be your weapons.

Set your target, hold it close, and walk the path with strength.

You, too, can be a Maha Veera.

FAQs

1. What is real courage in Buddhism?

Real courage is mental strength the ability to remain focused, calm, and determined even in suffering, just like the Bodhisatta during his six years of asceticism.

2. Did the Buddha gain Enlightenment by starving himself?

No. He realized extreme starvation wasn't the path to truth. He adopted the Middle Path avoiding both luxury and torture and attained Enlightenment.

3. How can I build strong determination like the Bodhisatta?

By having a clear goal, practicing mindfulness daily, putting effort without quitting, and developing wisdom through reflection and learning.

4. Why didn’t the Bodhisatta accept help from the gods?

Because he believed Enlightenment must come from human effort, not external magical support even if it came from divine beings.

5. Can a regular person follow this path today?

Absolutely. While you may not live in a forest, you can still practice mindfulness, follow the teachings, and aim for your own goals with unshakable determination.

Namo Buddhaya!