Maybe we can just marvel at the efforts of people over millennia, from the Buddha sitting under the Bodhi tree to the modern philosopher and neuroscientist who has asked themselves the question " Who am I? "
Until shortly before then, the Buddha had been represented only by sets of symbols the tree under which he achieved enlightenment, a pair of footprints, and so on.
After many experiences he finally sat under a pipal tree and meditated without moving for 49 days until, at last, he achieved enlightenment-freedom from greed, hate, and delusion.