Buddhism traces its origins to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, who lived in ancient India around the 6th century BCE. Born into a noble family in present-day Nepal, the Buddha renounced his privileged life to seek enlightenment and understand the nature of suffering. After attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, he began teaching his insights to followers, eventually establishing a community of monks and spreading his teachings throughout India. Over time, Buddhism diversified into various schools and traditions, spreading across Asia and influencing cultures, art, and philosophy.
