Buddhism (context)

Buddhism is a spiritual tradition and philosophy founded around the 5th to 6th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. It emphasizes understanding the nature of suffering, its causes, and ways to overcome it through ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. Core concepts include the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, guiding practitioners toward inner peace and enlightenment. Buddhism encourages mindfulness, compassion, and personal insight, with various schools emphasizing meditation and ethical living. It aims to help individuals transcend attachment and ignorance, ultimately achieving liberation from suffering (nirvana).