Gautama Buddha (Buddhism founder)

Gautama Buddha, born Siddhartha Gautama around the 5th century BCE in present-day Nepal, is the founder of Buddhism. He achieved enlightenment after years of meditation and seeking understanding of suffering and existence. His teachings, centered on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, emphasize overcoming suffering through mental discipline, ethical conduct, and wisdom. Buddhism encourages individuals to explore personal experiences of truth, compassion, and mindfulness, rather than adhering strictly to doctrines. Today, Buddhism is practiced worldwide, offering diverse interpretations but fundamentally focusing on inner peace and understanding the nature of reality.