About

He lived in the 5th century BCE in what is now modern-day Nepal and India. Born into a wealthy family, he renounced his privileged life in search of enlightenment and spiritual awakening. After years of rigorous meditation and self-discipline, he eventually achieved enlightenment under a Bodhi tree, becoming the Buddha, meaning "awakened one. " The Buddha's teachings centered around the Four Noble Truths, which outlined the existence of suffering, its cause, the possibility of its cessation, and the path to its eradication. He emphasized the importance of the Middle Way, a balanced approach to life that avoids extremes. The Eightfold Path, another central aspect of his teachings, outlined practices for ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. Throughout his life, the Buddha traveled throughout the Indian subcontinent, teaching his philosophy and gaining followers. He established a community of monks and nuns, known as the Sangha, as well as lay followers. His teachings attracted people from various social backgrounds and castes, challenging prevailing societal divisions. The Buddha's teachings had a profound impact on the Indian subcontinent and later spread to other parts of Asia. Buddhism became one of the major world religions, influencing art, literature, and culture in regions where it took root. Although the Buddha's life and teachings have been recorded in various texts and scriptures, there are debates among scholars regarding the historical accuracy and interpretation of his life story. Nevertheless, the Buddha's philosophy continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for millions of Buddhists worldwide.