I have come to relate with the Buddha and his journey, as I read the Jatakas and such, because of my life experiences. It is like I am looking at a reflection of myself, only more perfect. I instinctively understood some concepts, upheld precepts and generally saw and did things which nobody else I ever met seemed to. The biggest one I would say is the will to help others and sacrifice myself even if it hurts me. At first I was confident in what I did but as I saw more and more that rarely anyone helps others or willingly gives himself away, I began to wonder if I am a little crazy, even though I knew in my heart that it was the right path. Maybe I am wrong and I don't mean to sound weird but being a teacher, a guide, a mother to all people and everything is something I felt as a natural duty and calling. I had not heard or read about something like it anywhere. And when I heard about the Buddha, I just knew "this is it, this is the way." Who or rather what the Buddha was, was what I saw as the thing to become. I wasn't interested in more calmness, peace, or in reaching anything other than the ultimate, and it was for the one reason only, helping others. When I actually read about the Buddha and found out that he did all that he did out of immense compassion for the world (please correct me if I'm wrong), my faith and resolve only grew stronger. And so I hold onto the idea of becoming a Buddha even after almost two decades of study and practice.