Buddha Siddhartha Gautama Shakyamuni, who lived around the 5th to 4th century BCE in ancient India, is the founder of Buddhism. Born into royalty, Siddhartha led a privileged life until he encountered the realities of suffering, old age, and death. These experiences deeply impacted him, prompting him to leave his luxurious lifestyle in search of enlightenment. He adopted a life of asceticism but ultimately found that extreme self-denial did not lead to liberation. Instead, he discovered the Middle Way, a balanced approach between indulgence and austerity. After years of meditation, Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, becoming the Buddha, or "the Awakened One." He began to teach the Four Noble Truths, which outline the nature of suffering and the path to liberation through the Eightfold Path. His teachings emphasize mindfulness, ethical conduct, and mental discipline, promoting a way of life that leads to Nirvana—a state free from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. Buddha's teachings spread across Asia, influencing cultures and philosophies. His followers established monasteries and communities that practiced his teachings, commemorating values of compassion and wisdom. The legacy of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama Shakyamuni continues to thrive, as millions around the world still seek enlightenment through his practices and insights into the nature of existence. Buddha Siddhartha Gautama Shakyamuni was born into a royal family in ancient India and spent his early life in luxury until he confronted the harsh realities of life, which led him to seek enlightenment. After abandoning a life of asceticism, he achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became known as the Buddha, sharing profound teachings that addressed suffering and the path to liberation. His teachings, centered on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, have left a lasting legacy, inspiring countless followers and shaping cultures as they continue to pursue the ideals of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom.