The Buddha's teachings have been pieced together through narratives primarily found in the Sutta Pitaka. These stories vary; while some illustrate his miraculous abilities, others emphasize his preference for reasoning and persuasion over demonstrations of supernatural power. An example of this approach is evident when a grieving woman, whose child had passed away, sought solace from the Buddha. Instead of performing a miracle and bringing the child back to life, the Buddha compassionately explained the inevitability of death, offering her wisdom to find peace within impermanence.

These stories were conveyed in the language of everyday people, ensuring easy comprehension. According to Buddhist philosophy, the world is transient (anicca), in a constant state of change, and soulless (anatta), without any permanent or eternal essence. Within this transient realm, sorrow (dukkha) is an intrinsic part of human life. To transcend these worldly sufferings, the path of moderation, steering clear of extreme penance or self-indulgence, is advocated.

In the earliest forms of Buddhism, the existence of gods was considered irrelevant, focusing instead on the pursuit of enlightenment and liberation from suffering.

According to some stories found in Sutta Pitaka regarding Gautama Buddha, how did he heal the sorrows and sufferings of people?

Through reason and persuasion

The correct answer is Option 2: Through reason and persuasion

According to the passage, although some stories describe the Buddha's miraculous abilities, it is emphasized that he preferred reasoning and persuasion over supernatural powers. An example is provided of a grieving woman whose child had died — instead of reviving the child through a miracle, the Buddha compassionately explained the inevitability of death, helping her come to terms with sorrow through wisdom, not magic.

Therefore, option 2 best captures the essence of how the Buddha healed people's suffering as per the stories in the Sutta Pitaka.