"Lord" Buddha

I find that some refer to The Buddha as "Lord Buddha".

"Lord" means master or ruler or a feudal type superior, The word also refer to God. The Buddha does not fall any of those categories.

"Buddha", in fact is not a proper name as such. It is a generic name to refer to one who has attained Supreme Enlightenment and who helps others to achieve enlightenment through his teachings. Siddhartha Gautama, a Kshatriya Prince renounced his kingdom and the princely lay life to attain enlightenment. He is a man who attained Buddha hood. The Buddha said to his followers "I am just one of you. I never force anyone to listen to me, and do not want anyone to obey me." The Buddha encouraged doubt, discussion, exploration and questioning his teachings. He want his followers to follow his teachings if they are convinced that the teachings are good and true.

Is it therefore appropriate to refer to The Buddha as "Lord"? Will someone please clarify?

Upali S. Jayasekera,

Rajagiriya.

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