Buddhism is a major world religion and philosophy that originated in ancient India around the 5th century BCE. It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Gautama Buddha or simply the Buddha. The teachings of Buddhism revolve around the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which are considered the core principles of the religion. Buddhism encompasses a wide range of traditions, schools, and practices. The two major branches are Theravada Buddhism, predominant in Southeast Asia, and Mahayana Buddhism, prevalent in East Asia. There are also other branches such as Vajrayana (or Tibetan Buddhism) and Zen Buddhism. Buddhists strive to achieve spiritual enlightenment or awakening through meditation, ethical living, and the cultivation of wisdom and compassion. The ultimate goal is to attain liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) and to reach a state of lasting peace and liberation called Nirvana. Buddhism emphasizes the importance of personal experience and individual effort in spiritual development. It encourages followers to question and explore the teachings for themselves, rather than accepting them blindly. Meditation plays a central role in Buddhist practice, as it helps to develop mindfulness, insight, and concentration. In addition to its philosophical and spiritual aspects, Buddhism also encompasses various cultural traditions, rituals, and forms of artistic expression, such as temple architecture, painting, sculpture, and chanting. Today, Buddhism is practiced by millions of people worldwide and continues to have a significant impact on individuals and societies, promoting peace, compassion, and the pursuit of inner wisdom.
