Buddhism (historical context)

Buddhism originated in the 5th to 4th century BCE in ancient India, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, who sought to understand and alleviate human suffering. It arose during a time of spiritual exploration, amidst Hindu traditions and societal changes. The core teachings focus on the Four Noble Truths, emphasizing the nature of suffering and the Eightfold Path as a guide to ethical living and mental discipline. Buddhism spread across Asia, adapting to various cultures and eventually evolving into different schools, such as Theravada and Mahayana, each with unique practices and philosophies.