These days we encounter the image of the Buddha everywhere, from restaurants and hotel gardens to fitness clubs and health spas. He always looks so tranquil, almost unreal. It comes as a surprise to learn that his serenity was maintained against the background of false accusations, assassination attempts, misbehaving monks, deceitful dynasty rivalries and family tensions. The fact that he experienced this adversity, retained his equanimity, and formed a community dedicated to individual and societal peace can give us grounds for optimism. He identified a path to navigate these vicissitudes. Understanding the Buddha as a flesh and blood figure and learning about the challenges he faced provides a source of hope in difficult times. Until recently Graham Dixon was Head of Radio at the European Broadcasting Union, and, before that, Managing Editor of BBC Radio 3. He became interested in Buddhism following a brush with secular mindfulness on a management development seminar and subsequently gained a Masters in Buddhist Studies, where his particular interest was the emergence of the Buddhist community.