Siddhartha
Gautama

Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha, was born in Lumbini, Nepal, around the 6th century BCE. Born into a royal family, Siddhartha led a life of luxury shielded from the harsh realities of the world. However, at the age of 29, he embarked on a spiritual journey, leaving behind his princely comforts to seek enlightenment and understand the nature of human suffering. After years of meditation and ascetic practices, Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, becoming the Buddha, or the Enlightened One.

The Buddha's teachings, encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, formed the foundation of Buddhism. His insights into the nature of suffering, impermanence, and the cessation of suffering offered a path to liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). The Buddha's compassionate teachings emphasized mindfulness, ethical conduct, and the cultivation of wisdom as means to attain enlightenment and alleviate suffering. His teachings spread rapidly throughout ancient India and beyond, influencing countless individuals and cultures across the centuries. The Buddha's life and teachings continue to inspire millions of followers worldwide, making him one of the most revered spiritual leaders in history.