Buddha taught that desire is the cause for all the difficulties faced by a human being and therefore one has to renounce everything and cultivate love and compassion towards all beings. He believed that poverty, disease and old age are the root cause for sorrow and no one can escape them. Hence, he set out on a mission to find a method by which human sorrow can be avoided. For this purpose, he renounced the kingdom, parents and even his wife and son and proceeded to a secluded place for meditation and deep inquiry. Finally, he was endowed with enlightenment and found out that there is nothing greater than tyaga (renunciation) and that itself is great yoga. With this enlightenment, he went on teaching to the people the path of renunciation and love for all living beings. He propagated the truth that non-violence is the greatest dharma of a human being. Buddha advocated love for all living beings on a universal basis. (Beacons of Divine Wisdom Part 2, p. 137)