The difference in how the Pāli and Sanskrit traditions describe the Buddha need not confuse us. We don’t have to choose one view over the other. Rather, we can see which view inspires us at a particular time. When we feel discouraged, thinking of Siddhartha Gautama as having been an ordinary being who faced the same difficulties on the path as we do is helpful. Just as he diligently practiced the path and attained awakening, so can we.
– The Dalai Lama, Buddhism: One Teacher, Many Traditions